Grinding / polishing device with recall section

Abstract

The grinder / polisher includes a specimen holder, a platen, an actuator configured to move at least one of the specimen holder and the platen, an input device, a machine-readable storage device, and a controller. The input device includes a plurality of quick-recall inputs and is configured to receive grinding / polishing parameter inputs representing grinding / polishing parameters. The grinding / polishing parameters include at least two of cycle time, platen speed, specimen speed, platen orientation, specimen orientation, and applied load. The quick-recall inputs are selectable on the same interface as the user parameter inputs. The controller is configured to save the plurality of user-selected grinding / polishing parameters in the machine-readable storage device based on the input received by the input device, associate the parameters with one of the quick-recall inputs, and configure the parameters and perform an action according to the parameters in response to a selection of the quick-recall input.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 208,490, filed Mar. 22, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 002,923, filed Mar. 31, 2020, both entitled "GRINDING / POLISHING DEVICES WITH RECALL". The entire disclosures of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 208,490 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 002,923 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to grinding / polishing systems, and more particularly to grinding / polishing devices having a recall feature.

Background Art

[0003] Grinding and polishing operations are performed on samples across a wide variety of fields and industries for numerous purposes. In some applications, surface conditioning of a sample by grinding / polishing operations is a prerequisite for sample testing such as microscopy, and is, for example, a cornerstone when testing materials and components in the manufacturing field. Grinding / polishing devices are capable of performing both grinding and polishing operations and machining a sample to apply the required finish according to a particular application.

[0004] As may be expected, there remains a need for grinding / polishing devices and methods that machine a sample to the desired specifications that fall within the tolerances required by the application. However, grinding / polishing devices are often limited in user control. In many cases, grinding / polishing devices are difficult to set up and control, and a user may require a significant amount of time for setup. Such inefficiencies, etc., burden the user and may lead to loss of time and increased operating costs. It would be advantageous to provide improved grinding / polishing devices and methods.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment, the grinding / polishing machine includes a sample holder configured to fix a sample, a platen, an actuator configured to move at least one of the sample holder and the platen, and an input device configured to receive grinding / polishing parameter inputs representing grinding / polishing parameters, wherein the grinding / polishing parameters include at least two of the following: cycle time, platen speed, sample speed, platen direction, sample direction, and applied load. The quick recall inputs are selectable on the same interface as the user parameter inputs. In another embodiment, there is a machine-readable storage device and a controller. The controller is configured to store a plurality of user-selected grinding / polishing parameters in the machine-readable storage device based on the grinding / polishing parameter inputs received by the input device, and to associate the user-selected grinding / polishing parameters with one of the quick recall inputs. The controller may be further configured to, in response to the selection of one of the quick recall inputs, configure the grinding / polishing parameters based on the grinding / polishing parameters stored in the machine-readable storage device in association with the selected one of the quick recall inputs, and to control the actuator to perform a grinding / polishing operation according to the configured grinding / polishing parameters.

[0006] The grinding / polishing machine may further include a water dispenser configured to provide cooling water to the sample, and the grinding / polishing machine parameters further include turning the water on or off. In such embodiments, the controller is further configured to control the water dispenser according to a selected cycle time and the water on / off status. In other embodiments, the actuator includes a motor and a driver actuator, and the controller is configured to control the motor to rotate at least one of the sample holder and the platen according to selected grinding / polishing parameters. In the example, the controller is also configured to drive the actuator to press the sample or the platen against the other of the sample and the platen according to a selected applied load.

[0007] In yet another embodiment, the grinding / polishing machine comprises a fluid dispenser configured to supply fluid to the sample, and the grinding / polishing machine parameters further include fluid on / off and fluid supply rate. The controller may be further configured to control the fluid dispenser according to a selected cycle time, fluid on / off, and fluid supply flow rate. The input device in the embodiment may include a home screen, and may be a touchscreen display configured to display the quick recall input section and the plurality of grinding / polishing machine parameters.

[0008] The controller may also be configured to save the user-selected grinding / polishing parameters to the machine-readable storage device if the user keeps one of the plurality of quick recall inputs selected. In the embodiment, at least one of the plurality of quick recall inputs is accessible without accessing the input device's menu and is immediately accessible to the user. The grinding / polishing parameters may include cycle time, at least one of platen speed and sample speed, at least one of platen direction and sample direction, and applied load.

[0009] In an embodiment, the non-temporary machine-readable storage device includes machine-readable commands that, when executed, cause the controller to store a user-selected set of grinding / polishing parameters in the machine-readable storage device based on grinding / polishing parameter inputs received by an input device; associate the user-selected set of grinding / polishing parameters with one of a set of quick-recall inputs of the input device; configure the grinding / polishing parameters in response to the selection of one of the quick-recall inputs of the user interface input device, based on the grinding / polishing parameters stored in the machine-readable storage device in association with the selected one of the quick-recall inputs; and control the actuators of the grinding / polishing machine, which are configured to move at least one of the sample holder and platen of the grinding / polishing machine to perform a grinding / polishing operation according to the configured grinding / polishing parameters. In such an embodiment, the grinding / polishing parameters may include at least two of the following: cycle time, platen speed, sample speed, platen direction, sample direction, and applied load.

[0010] The grinding / polishing machine parameters may further include at least one of turning the water on or off, and the command, when executed, causes the controller to control the water dispenser according to a selected cycle time and the water on / off status. In one embodiment, the actuator includes a motor and a driver actuator, and the command, when executed, causes the controller to control the motor to rotate at least one of the sample holder and the platen according to a selected grinding / polishing parameter, and to control the driver actuator to press the sample or the platen into the other of the sample and the platen according to a selected applied load. In another embodiment, the grinding / polishing machine further includes a fluid dispenser configured to provide fluid to the sample, and the grinding / polishing machine parameters further include turning the fluid on or off and the fluid supply rate, and the command, when executed, causes the controller to control the fluid dispenser according to a selected cycle time, the fluid on / off status, and the fluid supply flow rate.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the non-temporary machine-readable storage device, the input device includes a touchscreen display, and the command, when executed, causes the controller to display the quick recall inputs and the plurality of grinding / polishing parameters on the touchscreen. In yet another embodiment, when executed, the command causes the controller to display a home screen on the touchscreen display, and at least one of the plurality of quick recall inputs is displayed on the home screen and selectable from the home screen. In another embodiment, when executed, the command can cause the controller to save the plurality of grinding / polishing parameters selected by the user to the machine-readable storage device, provided the user keeps one of the plurality of quick recall inputs selected. The plurality of quick recall inputs in the embodiment are accessible without accessing the menu of the user interface input device, and are also immediately accessible to the user in the embodiment. The grinding / polishing parameters in the embodiment include cycle time, platen speed and sample speed, at least one of platen direction and sample direction, and applied load. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a grinding / polishing apparatus. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram of the components of the grinding / polishing apparatus. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of an input device for the grinding / polishing apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This diagram shows a flowchart illustrating how to use a grinding / polishing device. [Figure 5] This diagram shows a flowchart illustrating how to use a grinding / polishing device.

[0013] The drawings are not necessarily to scale. Where appropriate, the same or identical reference numerals are used to indicate similar or identical elements. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] This disclosure broadly relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for grinding and polishing equipment. Preferred embodiments are described with reference to the drawings in the appended drawings. Known functions or configurations are not described in detail below, as such unnecessarily detailed descriptions would obscure this disclosure.

[0015] To facilitate understanding of the principles of the claimed technology and to present the best currently understood modes of operation, the embodiments shown in the drawings will be referred to and described using specific terminology. However, this is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed technology, and it should be understood that such changes and further modifications in the shown devices, and such further applications of the principles of the claimed technology shown, are considered to be conventionally conceivable by those skilled in the art related to the claimed technology.

[0016] As used herein, the term “exemplary” means “serving as an example, illustration, or demonstrable example.” The embodiments described herein are illustrative and not limiting. It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are not necessarily construed as preferable or beneficial to other embodiments. Furthermore, the term “embodiment” does not require that all disclosed embodiments include the features, advantages, or modes of operation discussed.

[0017] As used herein, the terms “circuit” and “circuit section” mean physical electronic components (i.e., hardware) and any software and / or firmware ("code") that can constitute the hardware, can be executed by the hardware, and / or can be otherwise associated with the hardware. As used herein, for example, a particular processor and memory may include a first “circuit” when executing a first set of one or more lines of code, and a second “circuit” when executing a second set of one or more lines of code. As used herein, “and / or” means any one or more items in the list linked by “and / or”. For example, “x and / or y” means any element of the set of three elements {(x), (y), (x,y)}. In other words, “x and / or y” means “one or both of x and y”. As another example, “x, y and / or z” means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x,y), (x,z), (y,z), (x,y,z)}. In other words, “x, y and / or z” means “one or more of x, y and z.” As used herein, the term “exemplary” means to serve as an unrestricted example, case, or illustration. As used herein, the term “for example” begins a list of one or more unrestricted examples, cases, or illustrations. As used herein, whenever a circuit section includes the hardware and code (if any) necessary to perform a certain function, the circuit section is “operable” to perform that function, regardless of whether the performance of that function is disabled or not (e.g., by a user-configurable setting, factory trim, etc.).

[0018] An example of a grinding / polishing apparatus that performs grinding and polishing operations on a workpiece or sample is shown in Figures 1 to 3. Referring to Figure 1, the grinding / polishing apparatus 100 comprises a power head assembly 102 having a sample holder 112 with a sample 116 (one is shown), a cabinet or base 104 having a bowl 106, a controller 190 (Figure 2), and an input device or unit control panel 122.

[0019] Continuing to refer to Figure 1, the bowl 106 forms an opening within the base 104 in the illustrated embodiment. The bowl 106 is equipped with a removable bowl liner (not shown), for example, a transparent plastic bowl liner, to prevent the accumulation of debris, contaminants, and residue in the bowl. The splash guard 109 can be further positioned around the bowl 106 to contain the fluid within the bowl, minimize spray, and prevent articles from unintentionally entering the bowl or coming into contact with movable components of the grinding and polishing apparatus, such as the platen 108 or sample holder 112.

[0020] The platen 108 is placed inside the bowl 106. The pad 110 is fixed to the top of the platen 108 and configured to contact the sample 116 during the grinding / polishing cycle. Many types of pads 110 can be used in the grinding / polishing operation. For example, the pad 110 can be a grinding disc, such as a silicon carbide grinding disc or a diamond grinding disc. In other embodiments, the pad 110 may be a polishing pad. The platen 108 is operably connected to an actuator 117 (Figure 2). As an example, the underside of the platen may have an opening to receive a drive pin on the top of the actuator's drive plate for fixing the platen to the actuator, but many other mechanisms may be used to fix the platen to the actuator.

[0021] The actuator 117 is controlled by the controller 190 to rotate, vibrate, or otherwise move the platen 108 to process the sample 116 during the grinding / polishing operation. In embodiments, the actuator 117 is a bidirectional motor configured to rotate the platen 108 in either direction at a selected speed. In other embodiments, the actuator includes a motor that can be operated to vibrate or otherwise move the platen to process the sample. In some embodiments, the actuator may be further configured to move the platen toward or away from the sample to adjust the load or force applied between the platen and the sample (e.g., a linear type actuator controlled to move or drive toward and away from the sample). Many types of actuators may be used to facilitate the grinding / polishing operation.

[0022] The power head assembly 102 is fixed to the base 104 and positions the sample holder 112 relative to the platen 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the sample holder 112 has a plurality of sample receiving slots 114 that hold a sample 116 (one shown) to be subjected to the grinding / polishing operation by the apparatus 100. The sample holder 112 is operably connected to an actuator 118 (FIG. 2) of the power head assembly 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the sample holder 112 is removably fixed to the actuator 118 via a chuck 115. The actuator 118 is controlled by the controller 190 to rotate, vibrate, or otherwise move the sample holder 112 (and the sample 116) relative to the platen 108 (and the pad 110) in order to process the sample 116 during the grinding / polishing operation. The actuator 118 in the illustrated embodiment includes a bidirectional motor configured to rotate the sample holder 112 in either direction at a selected speed and further includes a linear type actuator configured to push the sample holder 112 (having the sample 116) toward or away from the platen 108 in order to adjust the load or force applied between the sample and the platen. In other embodiments, the actuator is configured to vibrate or move the sample holder 112 relative to the platen during operation. Any desired actuator may be used.

[0023] The fluid dispenser 120 is located on the base 104 and is positioned to supply water and, in embodiments such as the one illustrated, may supply other types of fluid to the platen 108. The fluid supplied to the platen 108 can be collected within the bowl 106 and drained as necessary. The dispenser includes a valve that can operate to control the supply flow rate. In an embodiment, the controller 190 operates the dispenser to turn it on and off and adjust the flow rate. In the illustrated embodiment, a manual control knob 121 is also located on the base 106 and is operable to control the volume of the flow rate delivered by the dispenser 120.

[0024] Fluids that can be supplied include, for example, water, suspensions including diamond suspensions and other suspensions, abrasive suspensions, lubricants, and other fluids. In certain embodiments, one or more fluids may be supplied by one or more dispensers. In embodiments where multiple fluids are supplied, such as water and another type of fluid, the water and the other fluid(s) are provided by respective supply lines (not shown), for example, a water service line and a fluid supply line. In embodiments, the water and the other fluid are supplied from a reservoir or canister tank located on or remote from the apparatus. The controller can also provide automatic control of the fluid that the user can select on the control panel. In embodiments, the controller 190 operates the dispenser to turn it on and off and adjust the flow rate.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser can supply water from one nozzle and another type of fluid from the second nozzle shown, but in other embodiments, the second nozzle may be a stand-alone unit and part of a second dispenser separate from the base 104. In such embodiments, the flow of the fluid can be controlled by the stand-alone unit, for example, manually by a knob or by the controller of the stand-alone dispenser unit. The second nozzle can be positioned adjacent to the apparatus 100 and, in embodiments, can be fixed to the base 104.

[0026] The unit control panel 122 displays grinding / polishing equipment data and information and receives user input, among other things. In embodiments, the unit control panel may include various buttons, knobs, switches, sliders, displays, touchscreens, touchpads, lights, indicators, etc., for displaying information and receiving user input. The unit control panel may further include other components, such as peripherals, audio circuits and speakers, microphones, communication devices (wired or wireless), and other recognized components. In the illustrated embodiment, the unit control panel 122 has a touch-sensitive display 124.

[0027] Referring to Figure 2, the control circuit unit or controller 190 includes circuitry (e.g., a microcontroller and memory such as a non-temporary machine-readable storage device 191) that can be operated to process data from the actuators 117, 118, the dispenser 120, and the unit control panel 122. For example, the controller 190 may include one or more processors and / or other logic circuitry that control the operation of the grinding / polishing apparatus. Examples of processors include one or more microprocessors, e.g., one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more dedicated microprocessors and / or ASICs, one or more microcontrollers, and / or any other type of processing and / or logic device. For example, the controller 190 may include one or more digital signal processors (DSPs). The controller 190 can receive and respond to user input signals from the unit control panel 122 to control components of the grinding / polishing apparatus, e.g., actuators, dispensers, their components, and other elements of the apparatus.

[0028] Referring to Figure 3, the unit control panel 122 in the illustrated embodiment includes a touchscreen display 124 having a graphical user interface 126 for the operator. The graphical user interface 126 in the embodiment provides various screens that display information and control of the grinding / polishing apparatus, including various grinding / polishing parameters. The graphical user interface 126 may have multiple different screens, menus, display formats, etc., that the user can select to view information and provide input.

[0029] The graphical user interface 126 may further include a home screen 128, which in an embodiment is a default screen displayed by the control panel 122, for example, when the system is started. The home screen 128 provides information to the user and enables user input that is immediately accessible to the user, for example, without requiring navigation to other screens, navigation through menus, etc. In an embodiment, the home screen 128 is displayed by default when the device is started. In another embodiment, the content of the home screen 128 illustrated in Figure 3 is provided on one or more screens accessible through one or more navigation actions on the interface 126.

[0030] The home screen 128 may include multiple grinding / polishing parameter inputs, such as the illustrated grinding / polishing parameter inputs 130-142, which are associated with various grinding / polishing parameters. The grinding / polishing parameter inputs allow the user to adjust various grinding / polishing parameters of the grinding / polishing operation. Exemplary grinding / polishing parameters include the on / off and cycle time of the device cycle, platen speed (e.g., rotation or vibration of a rotating or vibrating platen per minute), platen rotation direction, sample holder speed (e.g., rotation or vibration of a rotating or vibrating sample holder per minute), sample holder rotation direction, on / off of fluid dispensers (may be multiple) (e.g., turning on or off a water dispenser and / or a dispenser for a fluid other than water), fluid dispenser (may be multiple) flow rate, and applied load (for example, the force applied between the platen and the sample by operating an actuator to push the platen or sample holder against the other of the platen or sample holder).

[0031] Grinding / polishing parameters can be adjusted in various ways using parameter input units 130-142. For example, parameters can be switched on and off by pressing an input unit on the touchscreen. Input units 130-142 can change their appearance, for example, by changing the color or brightness when they are switched on / off, by changing the display, or by any other change indicating that the input unit has been switched. In an embodiment, the parameter can be adjusted by selecting the parameter input unit 130-142 associated with a specific grinding / polishing parameter that the user intends to change on the display 124, and then adjusting the value associated with the parameter upward or downward by selecting the adjustment input unit 152 or 154, respectively, until the desired value is reached. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the adjustment input units 152 and 154 have indicators in the form of arrows indicating upward (e.g., increasing the value) and downward (e.g., decreasing the value) adjustments. The function of the input can be communicated using any desired indicator.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the parameter input units 130-142 also display grinding / polishing parameter information 160-172 related to the parameter. The parameter information 160-172 in the embodiment is updated when the parameter is switched (e.g., on / off) or adjusted by the user. Depending on the specific grinding / polishing parameter related to the input unit, the parameter information 160-172 may include on / off, selected cycle time (e.g., "10 minutes", "0:10", etc.), selected rotation or vibration speed (e.g., "50 rpm", "80 rpm", etc.), on / off, rotation direction (e.g., indicated by an arrow), applied load (e.g., "8 lbs", "35.5 N", etc.), etc.

[0033] In a specific embodiment shown in Figure 3, grinding / polishing parameters are assigned to parameter input units 130-142. Parameter input unit 130 is a cycle time input unit, adjustable to set the time for which the controller 190 controls the grinding / polishing device to operate a cycle. The cycle time input unit 130 may include a display such as a clock logo as shown in Figure 3, or other displays such as text, numbers, characters, or graphics, to inform the user that the input unit is related to cycle time. Parameter information 160 of the cycle time input unit 130 displays the current time setting for the cycle (e.g., 10 minutes, 12 minutes, etc.). To adjust the cycle time, the user can select the cycle time input unit 130 and then press the adjustment input units 152 or 154 to adjust the time upward or downward. Parameter information 160 changes as the user adjusts the cycle time using the adjustment input units 152 and 154. In one example, pressing the adjustment input units 152 and 154 once adjusts the time in 10-second increments. In other examples, the time may be adjusted in increments of 1 second, 30 seconds, 1 minute, or any other desired increment. In a particular embodiment, the time may be entered manually, for example, using a numeric keypad on the screen or a keyboard.

[0034] The parameter input section 132 is a platen rotation speed input section, which can be adjusted to set the speed at which the controller 190 operates the actuator 117 to rotate the platen during the cycle. The platen rotation speed input section 132 includes a graphical display showing the platen speed, but any other display may be used. The parameter information 162 of the platen rotation speed input section 132 displays the current speed setting for the cycle (e.g., 50 rpm, 80 rpm, 0 rpm / off, etc.). The platen rotation speed input section 132 can be selected, and the speed can be adjusted using the adjustment input sections 152, 154, or another input section such as a numeric keypad or keyboard.

[0035] The parameter input section 134 is a sample holder rotation speed input section, which is adjustable to set the speed at which the controller 190 operates the actuator 118 to rotate the sample holder during the cycle. The sample holder rotation speed input section 134 includes a graphical display showing the sample holder speed, but any other display may be used. The parameter information 164 of the sample holder rotation speed input section 134 may include the current speed setting for the cycle (e.g., 50 rpm, 80 rpm, 0 rpm / off, etc.). Similarly, the sample holder rotation speed input section 134 can be selected and the speed adjusted using the adjustment input sections 152, 154, or another input section such as a numeric keypad or keyboard.

[0036] The parameter input section 136 is a rotation direction input section, which is adjustable to set the rotation direction in which the controller 190 operates the actuators 117 and / or 118 to rotate the platen and / or sample holder during the cycle. The rotation direction input section 136 can be adjusted by switching the input section, for example, by pressing the rotation direction input section 136 on the touchscreen. In an embodiment, the direction input section 136 can be adjusted by selecting the input section and adjusting the adjustment input sections 152 and 154. The rotation direction of the platen and / or sample holder is displayed in the parameter information 166. In an embodiment, the parameter information 166 includes an arrow indicating the direction, but any display indicating the rotation direction of the platen and / or sample holder may be preferable.

[0037] In this embodiment, the parameter input section 138 is a load input section that can be adjusted to set a force or load between the platen and the sample by operating actuators 117 and / or 118 to push the platen or sample holder against the other during a cycle, via the controller 190. The load input section 138 may include a display such as the force display shown in Figure 3, or any other display as desired, to inform the user that the input section is related to load setting. The parameter information 168 of the load input section 130 displays the applied force or load (e.g., 8 lbs, 35 N, etc.). To adjust the load, the user can select the load input section 138 and then press the adjustment input section 152 or 154 to adjust the force or load upward or downward. The parameter information 168 changes as the user adjusts the load using the adjustment input sections 152, 154. In one example, pressing the adjustment input sections 152, 154 once adjusts the load in 1 lb increments. In other examples, the load may be adjusted in increments such as 0.5 lbs, 2 lbs, etc. In a particular embodiment, the load may be entered manually, for example, using a numeric keypad on the screen or a keyboard.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the parameter inputs 140 and 142 are fluid dispenser inputs, one for water and the other for another type of fluid. Each input can be selected to operate the dispenser 120 to supply water and / or other fluids during the cycle to the controller 190. Flow rate, on / off status, or other information related to the dispenser can be displayed in the parameter information 170 and 172. Flow rate and on / off status can be adjusted, for example, by selecting the desired input 140 or 142 and adjusting it using the adjustment inputs 152 and 154.

[0039] The graphical user interface 126 further includes several other inputs, menus, settings, etc. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the home screen 128 includes an input 143 for accessing various menus, settings, and other data screens. The home screen further includes a start cycle input 144, which can be selected after all desired parameter inputs 130-142 have been selected and / or adjusted as desired to start the grinding / polishing cycle. Once the grinding / polishing cycle is started, the controller 190 operates the actuators 117, 118, and, where applicable, the dispenser 120, to perform the grinding / polishing cycle on one or more samples 116 according to the grinding / polishing parameters. The cycle may also be performed according to other parameters, which may be set, programmed, or not adjustable by the user. The cycle runs for a duration selected using the cycle time input 130, or until the user manually stops the cycle, for example, using the stop cycle input 146. In some embodiments, other inputs may be used within and / or outside the graphical user interface to start or stop a cycle. For example, referring to Figure 1, the device may include, in addition to or instead of, a start / stop input on the graphical user interface, a start button 148 for starting a cycle and a stop button 150 for stopping a cycle.

[0040] Referring to Figure 3, the home screen 128 of the illustrated graphical user interface 126 also includes several quick recall inputs 180-188. The quick recall inputs 180-188 can include displays, such as logos, numbers, letters, and graphics. The user operates the user interface to cause the controller to save the current grinding / polishing parameters to memory and assign the parameters to one of the quick recall inputs 180-188. The saved parameters can be quickly recalled directly from the home screen by selecting the quick recall input associated with the desired parameter.

[0041] More specifically, in the embodiment, the user can adjust one or more grinding / polishing parameters, for example, parameters associated with the various parameter inputs 130-142, by selecting or switching between various parameter inputs 130-142 and adjusting parameter values ​​using adjustment inputs 152, 154 to be desirable for a particular grinding / polishing cycle. The user can then operate the unit control panel 122 to save the selected parameters to memory and assign the selected parameters to specific quick recall inputs. In the embodiment, the controller 190 saves the parameters to memory or storage device 191 (Figure 2) and assigns the parameters to quick recall inputs 180-188 when the user presses and holds a quick recall input for a period of time (e.g., 1 second or another selected time).

[0042] The graphical user interface 126 can indicate to the user, for example, by changes on the quick recall input, a dialog box, etc., that parameters have been saved to memory and assigned to the quick recall input. Each of the quick recall inputs 180 to 188 can be programmed in a similar manner to associate the quick recall input with a desired number of grinding / polishing parameters.

[0043] Figure 3 shows five quick recall inputs, but any number of quick recall inputs may be used. In one embodiment, the quick recall inputs are located on the home screen of the graphical user interface, allowing users to access them quickly and instantly without requiring navigation through the user interface's menu system, for example. In one embodiment, the quick recall inputs appear on the home screen and are displayed by default when the device is turned on. In another embodiment, the quick recall inputs may be located on other screens and within other menus, in addition to or alternatively, as desired by various users.

[0044] The user can perform grinding / polishing programs by sequentially operating various quick recall inputs as desired, with each quick recall input associated with a cycle representing a step in the program. For example, the operator can first program quick recall inputs 180-188, and then press inputs 180-188 in sequence to perform the cycle associated with each input. In one embodiment, the user waits for the previous cycle to complete, then presses the next quick recall input to begin the next step in the cycle, and so on until completion. In embodiments, a program including multiple steps, where each step is associated with a single quick recall input, can be automatically executed by the controller once the user selects each step. Furthermore, any number of quick recall inputs can be pre-programmed, for example by the manufacturer, to enable the user to perform grinding / polishing cycles. Any of the parameter inputs may also have programmed values ​​that can be selected using the unit control pad. Many control and operation methods can be utilized using the parameter inputs and quick recall inputs.

[0045] A method 200 for operating a grinding / polishing device is shown in Figure 4. Method 200 includes executing machine-readable commands to cause a controller to perform steps 202 to 208. Step 202 includes storing a user-selected set of grinding / polishing parameters in a machine-readable storage device based on grinding / polishing parameter inputs received by an input device, the grinding / polishing parameters including at least two of the following: cycle time, platen speed, sample speed, platen direction, sample direction, and applied load. Step 204 includes associating the user-selected set of grinding / polishing parameters with one of a set of quick-recall inputs of the input device. Step 206 includes configuring grinding / polishing parameters in response to a selection of one of the quick-recall inputs of the user interface input device, based on the grinding / polishing parameters stored in the machine-readable storage device in association with the selected quick-recall input. Step 208 includes moving at least one of the sample holder and platen of the grinding / polishing machine to control the actuator of the grinding / polishing machine, which is configured to perform a grinding / polishing operation according to the configured grinding / polishing parameters.

[0046] Figure 5 illustrates a method 300 for operating a grinding / polishing machine. The grinding / polishing machine comprises (i) a sample holder configured to fix a sample, (ii) a platen, (ii) an actuator configured to move at least one of the sample holder and the platen, (iii) an input device configured to receive grinding / polishing parameter inputs representing grinding / polishing parameters, the grinding / polishing parameters including at least two of cycle time, platen speed, sample speed, platen direction, sample direction, and applied load, the quick recall inputs being selectable on the same interface as the user parameter inputs, (iv) a machine-readable storage device, and (v) a controller.

[0047] According to Method 300, step 302 includes storing a user-selected set of grinding / polishing parameters in a machine-readable storage device based on grinding / polishing parameter inputs received by an input device. Step 304 includes associating the user-selected set of grinding / polishing parameters with one of the quick-recall input units. Step 306 includes selecting one of the quick-recall input units. Step 308 includes configuring grinding / polishing parameters based on the grinding / polishing parameters stored in the machine-readable storage device in association with the selected quick-recall input unit. Step 310 includes controlling the actuator to perform a grinding / polishing operation according to the configured grinding / polishing parameters.

[0048] Steps 306 and 308 are repeated in an embodiment to program multiple quick recall inputs, and step 310 is repeated for each quick recall input to perform multiple grinding / polishing operations, for example, in sequence, with each operation representing a step in the program. The entire program can be executed by repeating step 310 for each quick recall input.

[0049] The methods and systems described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The methods and / or systems can be implemented centrally in at least one computing system, or distributed across several interconnected computing systems with different elements distributed among them. Any type of computing system or other device adapted to perform the methods described herein is suitable. A typical combination of hardware and software may include a general-purpose computing system, along with a program or other code that, once loaded and executed, controls the computing system to perform the methods described herein. Another typical embodiment may include an application-specific integrated circuit or chip. Some embodiments may include a non-temporary machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) medium (e.g., flash drive, optical disk, magnetic storage disk, etc.) that stores one or more lines of machine-executable code, thereby causing a machine to perform a process such as those described herein.

[0050] The above description and accompanying drawings illustrate the principle, preferred embodiments, and modes of operation. However, this disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the specific embodiments described above. Additional variations of the embodiments described above will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0051] While the Method and / or System has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made and equivalents can be substituted without departing from the scope of the Method and / or System. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt the teachings of this disclosure to specific circumstances or materials without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, blocks and / or components of the disclosed examples can be combined, divided, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. Thus, the Method and / or System is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Instead, the Method and / or System includes all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents. While the Controller and Method have been described as being used in conjunction with a grinding / polishing device, the teachings can be similarly applied to other devices where it is desirable to determine or control the grinding / polishing operation.

[0052] All documents referenced herein, including published academic papers or records, published or corresponding U.S. patent applications or foreign patent applications, issued patents or foreign patents, or any other documents, each in its entirety, including all data, tables, drawings, and text presented within the referenced documents, constitute part of this specification by reference. [Structure 1] A sample holder configured to fix the sample, Platen and, An actuator configured to move at least one of the sample holder and the platen, An input device comprising multiple quick recall input units and configured to receive grinding / polishing parameter inputs representing grinding / polishing parameters, wherein the grinding / polishing parameters include at least two of the following: cycle time, platen speed, sample speed, platen direction, sample direction, and applied load, and the quick recall input units are selectable on the same interface as the user parameter input units. Machine-readable memory device, It is a controller, Based on the grinding / polishing parameter input received by the input device, the user-selected grinding / polishing parameters are stored in the machine-readable storage device. The user selects multiple grinding / polishing parameters, which are then associated with one of the quick recall input units. In response to the selection of one of the quick recall input units, the grinding / polishing parameters are configured based on the grinding / polishing parameters stored in the machine-readable storage device in association with the selected one of the quick recall input units. A grinding / polishing machine comprising a controller configured to control the actuator to perform a grinding / polishing operation according to the configured grinding / polishing parameters. [Structure 2] The grinding / polishing machine according to Configuration 1, further comprising a water dispenser configured to provide cooling water to the sample, wherein the grinding / polishing machine parameters further include turning the water on / off, and the controller is further configured to control the water dispenser according to a selected cycle time and the water on / off status. [Structure 3] The grinding / polishing machine according to Configuration 2, wherein the actuator includes a motor and a driver actuator, and the controller is further configured to (i) control the motor to rotate at least one of the sample holder and the platen according to selected grinding / polishing parameters, and (ii) control the drive actuator to press the sample or the platen against the other of the sample and the platen according to a selected applied load. [Structure 4] The grinding / polishing machine according to Configuration 1, further comprising a fluid dispenser configured to provide fluid to the sample, wherein the grinding / polishing machine parameters further include fluid on / off and fluid supply rate, and the controller is further configured to control the fluid dispenser according to a selected cycle time, fluid on / off and fluid supply flow rate. [Composition 5] The grinding / polishing machine according to configuration 1, wherein the input device includes the quick recall input unit and a touchscreen display configured to display the plurality of grinding / polishing machine parameters. [Composition 6] The grinding / polishing machine according to configuration 5, wherein the touchscreen includes a home screen, and at least one of the plurality of quick recall input units is displayed on the home screen and selectable from the home screen. [Composition 7] The grinding / polishing machine according to configuration 5, wherein the controller is configured to store the user's selected grinding / polishing machine parameters in the machine-readable storage device when the user keeps one of the multiple quick recall inputs selected. [Structure 8] The grinding / polishing machine according to configuration 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of quick recall input units is accessible without accessing the menu of the input device. [Composition 9] The grinding / polishing machine according to configuration 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of quick recall input units is immediately accessible to the user. [Composition 10] The grinding / polishing machine according to configuration 1, wherein the grinding / polishing parameters include cycle time, platen speed and sample speed, platen direction and sample direction and applied load. [Composition 11] Non-temporary machine-readable memory device, When executed, the controller will: Based on grinding / polishing parameter inputs received by an input device, a user-selected set of grinding / polishing parameters is stored in a machine-readable storage device, wherein the grinding / polishing parameters include at least two of the following: cycle time, platen speed, sample speed, platen direction, sample direction, and applied load. Associating the multiple grinding / polishing parameters selected by the user with one of the multiple quick recall input sections of the input device, In response to the selection of one of the quick recall inputs of the user interface input device, the grinding / polishing parameters are configured based on the grinding / polishing parameters stored in the machine-readable storage device in association with the selected one of the quick recall inputs. A non-temporary machine-readable memory device that includes machine-readable commands for controlling an actuator of a grinding machine / polishing machine, which is configured to move at least one of the sample holder and platen of the grinding machine / polishing machine to perform a grinding / polishing operation according to the configured grinding / polishing parameters. [Composition 12] Non-temporary machine-readable storage device according to configuration 11, wherein the grinding / polishing machine parameter further includes at least one of water on / off, and the instruction, when executed, causes the controller to control the water dispenser according to a selected cycle time and water on / off. [Composition 13] Non-temporary machine-readable storage device according to configuration 12, wherein the actuator includes a motor and a driver actuator, and the command, when executed, causes the controller to (i) control the motor to rotate at least one of the sample holder and the platen according to selected grinding / polishing parameters, and (ii) control the driver actuator to press the sample or the platen against the other of the sample and the platen according to a selected applied load. [Composition 14] Non-temporary machine-readable storage device according to configuration 11, wherein the grinding / polishing machine further comprises a fluid dispenser configured to provide fluid to the sample, the grinding / polishing machine parameters further include fluid on / off and fluid supply rate, and the command, when executed, causes the controller to control the fluid dispenser according to a selected cycle time, fluid on / off and fluid supply flow rate. [Composition 15] The non-temporary machine-readable storage device according to configuration 11, wherein the input device includes a touchscreen display, and when the command is executed, it causes the controller to display the quick recall input unit and the plurality of grinding / polishing machine parameters on the touchscreen. [Composition 16] The non-temporary machine-readable storage device according to configuration 15, wherein, when the command is executed, the controller causes the controller to display a home screen on the touchscreen display, and at least one of the plurality of quick recall input units is displayed on the home screen and selectable from the home screen. [Composition 17] The non-temporary machine-readable storage device according to configuration 15, wherein, when the command is executed, the controller causes the user to save the user-selected grinding / polishing machine parameters to the machine-readable storage device, provided the user keeps one of the plurality of quick recall inputs selected. [Composition 18] The non-temporary machine-readable storage device according to configuration 11, wherein at least one of the plurality of quick recall input units is accessible without accessing the menu of the user interface input device. [Composition 19] At least one of the plurality of quick recall input units is a non-temporary machine-readable storage device according to configuration 13, which is immediately accessible to the user. [Composition 20] The non-temporary machine-readable storage device according to configuration 13, wherein the grinding / polishing parameters include at least one of cycle time, platen speed and sample speed, at least one of platen direction and sample direction, and applied load.

Claims

1. A sample holder configured to fix the sample, Platen and, An actuator configured to move at least one of the sample holder and the platen, An input device comprising multiple quick recall input units and a parameter input unit for receiving grinding / polishing parameter inputs representing grinding / polishing parameters, wherein the grinding / polishing parameters include at least two of the following: cycle time, platen speed, sample speed, platen direction, sample direction, and applied load, and the quick recall input units are selectable on the same interface as the user parameter input unit. Machine-readable memory device, It is a controller, Based on the grinding / polishing parameter input received by the input device, a plurality of grinding / polishing parameters adjusted by the parameter input unit are stored in the machine-readable storage device. The multiple grinding / polishing parameters adjusted by the parameter input unit are associated with one of the quick recall input units. In response to the selection of one of the quick recall inputs, the actuator is controlled to perform a grinding / polishing operation according to the grinding / polishing parameters stored in the machine-readable storage device in association with the selected one of the quick recall inputs. A controller configured as follows, Equipped with, A grinding / polishing machine in which the plurality of grinding / polishing parameters associated with the parameter input unit are adjusted by adjusting the parameter values ​​to be desirable for a particular grinding / polishing cycle, and the adjusted plurality of grinding / polishing parameters are stored in the machine-readable storage device and assigned to a specific quick recall input unit.

2. The grinding / polishing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a water dispenser configured to provide cooling water to the sample, wherein the grinding / polishing parameters further include turning the water on or off, and the controller is further configured to control the water dispenser according to a selected cycle time and the water on / off status.

3. The grinding / polishing machine according to claim 2, wherein the actuator includes a motor and a drive actuator, and the controller is further configured to (i) control the motor to rotate at least one of the sample holder and the platen according to selected grinding / polishing parameters, and (ii) control the drive actuator to press the sample or the platen against the other of the sample and the platen according to selected applied load.

4. The grinding / polishing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a fluid dispenser configured to provide fluid to the sample, wherein the grinding / polishing parameters further include fluid on / off and fluid supply rate, and the controller further configured to control the fluid dispenser according to a selected cycle time, fluid on / off and fluid supply flow rate.

5. The grinding / polishing machine according to claim 1, wherein the input device includes the quick recall input unit and a touchscreen configured to display the plurality of grinding / polishing parameters.

6. The grinding / polishing machine according to claim 5, wherein the touchscreen includes a home screen, and at least one of the plurality of quick recall input units is displayed on the home screen and selectable from the home screen.

7. The grinding / polishing machine according to claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to store the user's selected grinding / polishing parameters in the machine-readable storage device if the user keeps one of the plurality of quick recall inputs selected.

8. The grinding / polishing machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of quick recall input units is accessible without accessing the menu of the input device.

9. The grinding / polishing machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of quick recall input units is immediately accessible to the user.

10. The grinding / polishing machine according to claim 1, wherein the grinding / polishing parameters include cycle time, platen speed and sample speed, platen direction and sample direction and applied load.

11. Non-temporary machine-readable memory device, When executed, the controller will: Based on grinding / polishing parameter inputs received by the parameter input unit of the input device, a plurality of grinding / polishing parameters adjusted by the parameter input unit are stored in the machine-readable storage device, wherein the grinding / polishing parameters include at least two of the following: cycle time, platen speed, sample speed, platen direction, sample direction, and applied load. The multiple grinding / polishing parameters adjusted by the parameter input unit are associated with one of the multiple quick recall input units of the input device. Controlling an actuator of the grinding / polishing machine configured to move at least one of the sample holder and platen of the grinding / polishing machine in response to the selection of one of the quick recall inputs of the input device, so as to perform a grinding / polishing operation according to the grinding / polishing parameters stored in the machine-readable storage device in association with the selected one of the quick recall inputs, Includes machine-readable instructions to perform the following: A non-temporary machine-readable memory device in which the plurality of grinding / polishing parameters associated with the parameter input unit are adjusted by adjusting the parameter values ​​to be desirable for a particular grinding / polishing cycle, and the adjusted plurality of grinding / polishing parameters are stored in the machine-readable memory device and assigned to a specific quick recall input unit.

12. The non-temporary machine-readable storage device according to claim 11, wherein the grinding / polishing parameter further includes at least one of turning water on or off, and the command, when executed, causes the controller to control the water dispenser according to the selected cycle time and the water on / off status.

13. Non-temporary machine-readable storage device according to claim 12, wherein the actuator includes a motor and a drive actuator, and the command, when executed, causes the controller to (i) control the motor to rotate at least one of the sample holder and the platen according to a selected grinding / polishing parameter, and (ii) control the drive actuator to press the sample or the platen against the other of the sample and the platen according to a selected applied load.

14. The non-temporary machine-readable storage device according to claim 11, wherein the grinding / polishing machine further comprises a fluid dispenser configured to provide fluid to a sample, the grinding / polishing parameters further include fluid on / off and fluid supply rate, and the command, when executed, causes the controller to control the fluid dispenser according to a selected cycle time, fluid on / off and fluid supply flow rate.

15. The non-temporary machine-readable storage device according to claim 11, wherein the input device includes a touchscreen, and when the command is executed, it causes the controller to display the quick recall input unit and the plurality of grinding / polishing parameters on the touchscreen.

16. The non-temporary machine-readable storage device according to claim 15, wherein, when the command is executed, the controller causes the controller to display a home screen on the touchscreen, and at least one of the plurality of quick recall input units is displayed on the home screen and selectable from the home screen.

17. The non-temporary machine-readable storage device according to claim 15, wherein, when the command is executed, the controller is instructed to save the user-selected grinding / polishing parameters to the machine-readable storage device if the user keeps one of the plurality of quick recall inputs selected.

18. The non-temporary machine-readable storage device according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the plurality of quick recall input units is accessible without accessing the menu of the input device.

19. The non-temporary machine-readable storage device according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the plurality of quick recall input units is immediately accessible to the user.

20. The non-temporary machine-readable storage device according to claim 13, wherein the grinding / polishing parameters include at least one of cycle time, platen speed and sample speed, at least one of platen direction and sample direction, and applied load.

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