CPC Definition - Subclass B24B

Last Updated Version: 2024.01
MACHINES, DEVICES, OR PROCESSES FOR GRINDING OR POLISHING (grinding of gear teeth B23F, of screw-threads B23G 1/36; by electro-erosion B23H; abrasive or related blasting B24C; tools for grinding, buffing or sharpening B24D; polishing compositions C09G 1/00; abrasives C09K 3/14; electrolytic etching or polishing C25F 3/00; grinding arrangements for use on assembled railway tracks E01B 31/17); DRESSING OR CONDITIONING OF ABRADING SURFACES; FEEDING OF GRINDING, POLISHING, OR LAPPING AGENTS
Definition statement

This place covers:

Grinding or polishing processes not particular to specific machines, devices or work, including the use of auxiliary equipment in connection with such processes, e.g. of grinding with ultrasonic frequency;

Machines, devices or processes for sharpening cutting edges, or accessories therefor, adapted e.g. to the cutting edges of milling cutters, turning or planing tools, drills or cutting blades;

Machines, devices or processes for grinding, or accessories therefor,

adapted to surfaces on work with particular geometric shapes, e.g. surfaces of revolution or plane, lens shaped or spherical surfaces,

adapted to particular surface elements on work, e.g. to edges, bevels, grooves, seat surfaces, or to burr removal

adapted to surfaces of particular work, e.g. turbine blades, dies, work of non-circular cross section, such as shafts of polygonal cross-section, sharp pointed workpieces or workpieces with arcuate surfaces,

adapted to properties of the material of articles to be ground,

adapted for grinding controlled by patterns, drawings, magnetic tapes or the like, e.g. by deriving a required shape from a pattern, of the same or a different shape or scale, by a mechanism controlled by a member following the pattern,

embodied as a particular form of machine, e.g. using grinding or polishing belts, as portable grinding machine or as grinding machine of universal type,

whereby in connection with glass the terms "grinding" and "polishing" are treated as being equivalent.

Machines, devices or processes for polishing or finishing surfaces, or accessories therefor, according to the kind of operation performed, which are

polishing or finishing surfaces on work by means of tools made of soft or flexible material, with or without the application of solid or liquid polishing agents, e.g. using buffing wheels or polishing belts,

polishing or abrading surfaces on work by means of tumbling apparatus, including abrading-bodies specially designed therefor, or by means of other apparatus in which the work or the abrasive material is loose, e.g. using a magnetically consolidated grinding powder or a plastically deformable grinding compound, moved relatively to the workpiece under the influence of pressure,

honing, i.e. abrading by means of fine grit abrasive blocks along a controlled path of combined movements in order to smoothen a surface or to produce a defined surface texture,

superfinishing, i.e. by means of abrading blocks reciprocating with high frequency,

lapping, i.e. rubbing the surface of the work and the surface of a lapping tool, in general of corresponding shapes, against each other and with loose abrasives rolling and sliding between the surfaces, whereby the abrasives may be loosely dispersed in a liquid medium or adhered to a lapping pad,

burnishing, i.e. requiring pressure members for compacting the surface zone, e.g. rollers or balls;

Component parts, accessories, or auxiliary devices, of general applicability for grinding, polishing or finishing machines or devices, comprising

component parts, such as frames, beds, carriages, headstocks or work supports,

means for securing grinding or polishing wheels on rotary arbors,

drives or gearings including equipment therefor, e.g. for the exact control of the position of the tool or work at the start of the operation or for preventing backlash,

measuring or gauging equipment for controlling the feed movement of the tool or work, as well as arrangements of indicating or measuring equipment, e.g. for indicating the start of the grinding operation,

arrangements for automatic control of a series of individual steps in grinding or polishing a workpiece,

devices or means for dressing or conditioning abrasive surfaces,

safety devices for grinding or polishing machines,

accessories fitted to grinding or polishing machines for keeping tools or parts of the machine in good working condition,

devices for feeding, applying, grading or recovering grinding, polishing or lapping agents.

Relationships with other classification places
  • Abrasive machining

Subclass B24C complements the abrasive grinding and polishing operations covered by B24B by abrasive blasting with particulate material, whereby blasting is defined as using a blast of any particles or pellets dispersed in air, gas or liquid, or an equivalent jet of material projected or energised by other means, for the treatment of surfaces or cutting of materials, the particles usually being of abrasive material.

Abrading internal surfaces, e.g. of a tube or a flow channel, by operations in which a plastically deformable grinding compound is used as a loose abrasive material under the influence of pressure, known in the art as abrasive flow machining, extrude honing or hydro-erosive machining, is covered by group B24B 31/116 when the dynamic viscosity of the carrier medium is higher than that of conventional fuels such as diesel. When the dynamic viscosity of the carrier is less than or equal to that of conventional fuel, e.g. when water is used as a carrier, the machining is considered as particulate blasting of an internal surface, which is covered by B24C 3/32.

Subclass B24D covers the grinding, polishing and sharpening tools used with the machines and devices covered by subclass B24B. The tools specially designed for the particular grinding or polishing operations of tumbling (B24B 31/14), honing (B24B 33/08), lapping (B24B 37/11) or guided peening (B24B 39/006) are however covered by B24B. B24B further provides places for the tools specially adapted for grinding or polishing optical surfaces on lenses (B24B 13/01) as a particular kind of work. Devices or means for securing grinding or polishing wheels on rotary arbors of the machines or for dressing or conditioning abrasive surfaces of the tools are as well covered by B24B.

Machining metal by electro-erosion for surface improvement or improvement of the dimensional accuracy is covered by subclass B23H, including electrical discharge or electrochemical machining combined with mechanical working, e.g. grinding or honing (B23H 5/00). Electrolytic etching or polishing for the same purposes is covered by main group C25F 3/00, covering the working of metallic and non-metallic materials, especially the electrolytic polishing of semiconductor materials (C25F 3/30).

  • Abrasive materials and polishing compositions

Abrasive particles, powders or compositions per se are covered by group C09K 3/14, which may be used in abrasive tools or in suspensions or pastes for polishing. Polishing compositions, suitable for the operations covered by B24B 29/00, are covered by main group C09G 1/00. When they contain abrasives or grinding agents (C09G 1/02) they are as well suitable for lapping (B24B 37/00).

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Working metal by electro-erosion, e.g. electrolytic grinding

B23H

Surface treatment by laser

B23K 26/352

Abrasive or related blasting with particulate material

B24C

Electrolytic etching or polishing

C25F 3/00

Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Grinding of gear teeth

B23F

Grinding of screw threads

B23G 1/36, B23G 1/42

Grinding arrangements for use on assembled railway tracks

E01B 31/17

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Details, components, or accessories for machine tools, in general

B23Q 1/00 - B23Q 35/00

Tools for grinding, buffing or sharpening

B24D

Polishing compositions containing abrasives or grinding agents

C09G 1/02

Abrasives

C09K 3/14

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Grinding

Grinding means machining by fixed abrasive particles in its most general sense and covers "corrective" operations, such as correction of dimension, e.g. diameter, or shape, e.g. roundness. It is characterised by a comparatively high material removal rate.

Polishing

Polishing means mechanically finishing the surface of a work so as to improve, e.g. smoothen, its surface, without substantial change of dimension or shape of the work as would occur in grinding.

Abrading

Abrading is used in its most general sense to mean mechanically removing material by a multitude of fixed or loose particles that are forced into the surface of the work so that each particle cuts away small chips of material

Honing

Honing means abrading by means of one or more, often compliant, fine grit abrasive blocks or stones along a controlled path of combined movements, including a reciprocating movement, in order to smoothen a surface or to produce a defined surface texture such as a cross-hatch pattern.

Superfinishing

Superfinishing means abrading by means of one or more fine grit abrading blocks or an abrasive band pressed by a shoe (bandfinishing) along a controlled path of combined movements. Typically, the block or shoe is oscillated with a short stroke and relatively high frequency while the work is rotated, in order to improve surface finish or produce a defined surface texture such as a cross-hatch pattern. Superfinishing is also referred to as microfinishing, or short-stroke honing, in the art.

Lapping

Lapping is surface finishing by rubbing the surface of the work and the surface of a lapping tool, e.g. a lapping plate or lapping pad, that is mostly shaped corresponding to the work surface, against each other, mainly with loose abrasives rolling and sliding between the surfaces; the abrasives may be dispersed in a liquid medium, i.e. a slurry, or in a paste, or fixed to the lapping pad

Burnishing

Burnishing means plastically deforming a work on a small scale by means of rubbing or rolling a tool, e.g. a roller or ball, on the work. It is not an abrading operation but used as an alternative to abrasive finishing operations in order to improve the surface finish or surface hardness of the work.

Conditioning

Conditioning is used in its most general sense to mean truing by removing material from the abrasive tool to maintain tool geometry, e.g. concentricity, or to (re-) profile a form into the abrasive surface, sharpening by removing small amounts of binding material from the abrasive surface to expose abrasive grains or by breaking abrasive grains to produce sharper cutting edges on the grain,cleaning the surface of an abrasive tool or a lapping pad in order to remove debris from the space between the grains or pores of the pad.

It is noted that the above terms overlap in material removal rate and surface roughness such that a clear distinction by these parameters is not possible.

In groups B24B 1/00 - B24B 27/00, in connection with glass the terms "grinding" and "polishing" are treated as being equivalent.

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "dressing" and "conditioning"
Processes of grinding or polishing; Use of auxiliary equipment in connection with such processes
Definition statement

This place covers:

Grinding or polishing processes not particular to specific machines, devices or work, including the use of auxiliary equipment in connection with such processes, e.g. of grinding with ultrasonic frequency

subjecting the grinding or polishing tools, the abrading or polishing medium or work to vibration, e.g. grinding with ultrasonic frequency (polishing or abrading surfaces on work by means of tumbling apparatus B24B 31/00, involving oscillating or vibrating containers B24B 31/06; superfinishing surfaces on work, e.g. by means of abrading blocks reciprocating with high frequency, B24B 35/00)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Polishing or abrading surfaces on work by means of tumbling apparatus involving oscillating or vibrating containers

B24B 31/06

Superfinishing surfaces on work, e.g. by means of abrading blocks reciprocating with high frequency

B24B 35/00

Sharpening cutting edges, e.g. of tools; Accessories therefor, e.g. for holding the tools (non-abrasive sharpening devices for scythes, sickles, or the like A01D 3/00; sharpening devices designed as components of machines with cutters, see the relevant places for the machines, e.g. A01D 75/08, {B23F 23/1225, ,} B26D 7/12; sharpening of saw teeth B23D 63/12; sharpening of files or rasps B23D 73/00; grinding of die-stocks or chasers B23G 1/36)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Motor, hand or foot driven machines or devices for sharpening cutting edges, or accessories therefor, adapted e.g. to the cutting edges of milling cutters, turning or planing tools, drills or cutting and shear blades.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Hand tools, i.e. on a grip or holder or where the workpiece to be sharpened is moved by hand with respect to a non-driven tool or other manual devices for non-rotary grinding, polishing or stropping specially designed for sharpening cutting edges

B24D 15/06

Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Sharpening of saw teeth

B23D 63/12

{for edges of skis, snowboards or the like}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Hand tools or other devices for non-rotary grinding polishing, or stropping specially designed for sharpening ski edges

B24D 15/068

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Accessories for skiing or snowboarding, for treating skis or snowgoards, edge sharpeners

A63C 11/06

Hand-held or hand-operated filing or rasping devices

B23D 67/12

of drills (by fluting the shank B24B 19/04)
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Single purpose machines or devices for fluting drill shanks

B24B 19/04

{installed as an accessory on another machine (B26D 7/12 takes precedence)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Sharpening apparatus fixed to the harvester or mower

A01D 75/08

Arrangements of abrasive wheel dressing devices on gear-cutting machines

B23F 23/1225

Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting, means for treating work or cutting member to facilitate cutting by sharpening the cutting member

B26D 7/12

of scythes or sickles
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Non-abrasive sharpening devices for scythes, sickles, or the like

A01D 3/00

{of files}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Methods or machines for the manufacture of files or rasps; Peculiar procedures for sharpening or otherwise treating the working surfaces

B23D 73/12

Machines or devices designed for grinding surfaces of revolution on work, including those which also grind adjacent plane surfaces; Accessories therefor (B24B 11/00 - B24B 21/00 take precedence; honing machines or devices using abrading blocks performing axial and rotary movements superimposed on one another B24B 33/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Machines, devices or processes for grinding, or accessories therefor,

  • involving centres or centreless means for holding work for grinding cylindrical, conical or other rotationally symmetrical surfaces externally or internally,
  • adapted to particular type of work, e.g. crankshafts or crankpins,
  • adapted to properties of the material of non-metallic articles to be ground,
  • for combined grinding of surfaces of revolution and of adjacent plane surfaces of work.
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Honing machines or devices designed for working surfaces of revolution

B24B 33/02, B24B 33/04

for grinding cylindrical surfaces externally (grinding combined cylindrical and conical surfaces B24B 5/14)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Grinding combined cylindrical and conical surfaces

B24B 5/14

involving centreless means for supporting, guiding, floating or rotating work (centreless turning B23B 5/08; centreless grinding of threads B23G 1/42)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Centreless grinding of threads

B23G 1/42

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Centreless turning

B23B 5/08

characterised by a special design with respect to properties of the material of non-metallic articles to be ground, e.g. strings (cutting profiles into the treads of tyres B29D 30/68)
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Cutting profiles into the treads of tyres

B29D 30/68

Machines or devices designed for grinding plane surfaces on work, including polishing plane glass surfaces; Accessories therefor (B24B 21/00 takes precedence; honing of plane surfaces on work B24B 33/055)
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Machines, devices or processes for grinding, or accessories therefor,
  • adapted to plane surfaces on work, including polishing plane glass surfaces,
  • embodied as a particular structure of machine, e.g. having a stationary or reciprocatingly movable work-table or a conveyor belt,
  • adapted to a particular purpose, e.g. end faces of piston rings or floorings,
  • adapted to properties of the material of articles to be ground,
  • whereby in connection with glass the terms "grinding" and "polishing" are treated as being equivalent.
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Honing of plane surfaces on work

B24B 33/055

Single-purpose machines or devices (grinding tools or machines specially designed for use on assembled railway track E01B 31/17)
References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Grinding tools or machines specially designed for use on assembled railway track

E01B 31/17

for grinding slideways (portable grinding machines designed for fastening on workpieces B24B 23/08)
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Portable grinding machines designed for fastening on workpieces

B24B 23/08

for grinding end-faces, e.g. of gauges, rollers, nuts, piston rings (for combined grinding of surfaces of revolution and adjacent plane surfaces on work B24B 5/01; for grinding edges of bevels on work B24B 9/00)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Devices for combined grinding of surfaces of revolution and adjacent plane surfaces on work

B24B 5/01

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Devices for grinding edges or bevels on work

B24B 9/00

for grinding floorings, walls, ceilings or the like (machines or devices for cleaning floorings A47L 11/00, A47L 13/00)
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Machines or devices for cleaning floorings

A47L 11/00, A47L 13/00

{for grinding thin, brittle parts, e.g. semiconductors, wafers (grinding edges of thin, brittle parts B24B 9/065)}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Lapping pads for working plane surfaces with fixed abrasives

B24B 37/245

for grinding wood
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Single-purpose machines for grinding of non-planar wood surfaces, e.g. of furniture

B24B 19/24

Machines or devices designed for grinding edges or bevels on work or for removing burrs; Accessories therefor (B24B 21/00 takes precedence; for sharpening cutting edges on tools B24B 3/00; removing burrs by loose abrasive material B24B 31/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Machines, devices or processes for grinding edges or bevels on work or for removing burrs, or accessories therefor,
  • adapted to properties of material of the articles to be ground, e.g. metal, non-metallic inorganic material, wood or plastics.
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Devices for sharpening cutting edges on tools

B24B 3/00

Removing burrs by loose abrasive material

B24B 31/00

{for end faces of tubes (cleaning pipe ends or pipe fittings, e.g. before soldering B08B 9/021)}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Cleaning pipe ends or pipe fittings, e.g. before soldering

B08B 9/021

of metal, e.g. skate blades {(B24B 3/003 takes precedence)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Sharpening skate blades

B24B 3/003

{of thin, brittle parts, e.g. semiconductors, wafers}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Edge treatment, chamfering of semiconductor devices

H01L 21/02021

{for watch glasses}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Devices for shaping watch glasses by removing material, e.g. cutting out from a plate, milling the edges

G04D 3/065

of optical work, e.g. lenses, prisms {(control of the position of the tool for bevelling optical work B24B 47/225)}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Control of the position of the tool for bevelling optical work

B24B 47/225

of diamonds; of jewels or the like; Diamond grinders' dops; Dop holders or tongs (for grinding sharp pointed diamonds or sapphires B24B 19/16)
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Devices for grinding sharp pointed diamonds or sapphires

B24B 19/16

Machines or devices designed for grinding spherical surfaces or parts of spherical surfaces on work; Accessories therefor (specially designed for optical surfaces B24B 13/00, for seat surfaces B24B 15/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Machines, devices, processes for grinding spherical surfaces or parts of spherical surfaces on work, e.g. balls, involving particular type of grinding wheels, e.g. cup type.

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Specially designed for optical surfaces

B24B 13/00

For seat surfaces

B24B 15/00

Machines or devices designed for grinding or polishing optical surfaces on lenses or surfaces of similar shape on other work; Accessories therefor (edging optical work, e.g. lenses, prisms B24B 9/14)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Machines, devices, processes for grinding or polishing optical surfaces on lenses or surfaces of similar shape on other work, e.g. headlight reflectors. l Accessories, components, e.g. blocking and deblocking means, specific tools and machining control therefor.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Edging optical work, e.g. lenses, prisms

B24B 9/14

Blocking means, chucks or the like; Alignment devices
Definition statement

This place covers:

Devices and processes for holding of optical work, e.g. by bonding (blocking) or suction.

Accessory therefor, alignment devices or means and methods for deblocking optical work, i.e. adapted to release the bond between the optical work and its support or a protection film through chemical, thermal, mechanical or other means or any practical combination thereof.

Machines or devices designed for grinding seat surfaces; Accessories therefor (for spherical surfaces in general B24B 11/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Machines, devices or processes for grinding, or accessories therefor, adapted to seat surfaces, e.g. in valve components.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

For spherical surfaces in general

B24B 11/00

Special adaptations of machines or devices for grinding controlled by patterns, drawings, magnetic tapes or the like (machines or devices so-controlled for grinding the edges of lenses B24B 9/14; for grinding or polishing optical lens surfaces B24B 13/06; for grinding non-circular cross-sections B24B 19/08; for grinding trochoidal surfaces B24B 19/09; for grinding cams B24B 19/12; for grinding turbine blades or the like B24B 19/14; such control means per se B23Q 33/00, B23Q 35/00, G05); Accessories therefor
Definition statement

This place covers:

Special adaptations of machines or devices for grinding or polishing controlled by mechanical transmission, e.g. by templates, electrical transmission, e.g. by magnetic tape, optical means, e.g. by optical projection, or fluid transmission.

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Machines or devices so-controlled for grinding the edges of lenses

B24B 9/14

For grinding or polishing optical lens surfaces

B24B 13/06

For grinding non-circular cross-sections

B24B 19/08

For grinding trochoidal surfaces

B24B 19/09

For grinding cams

B24B 19/12

For grinding turbine blades or the like

B24B 19/14

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Methods for copying

B23Q 33/00

Control systems or devices for copying directly from a pattern or a master model; Devices for use in copying manually

B23Q 35/00

Controlling; Regulating

G05

Single-purpose machines or devices for particular grinding operations not covered by any other main group (tapering, chamfering, or relief cutting of taps or reamers B24B 3/20, B24B 3/22, grinding screw threads B23G)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Machines, devices or processes for grinding specifically adapted to surfaces of particular work, e.g. turbine blades, microgrooves, ens of optical fibres, work of non-circular cross section, such as shafts of polygonal cross-section or pistons, sharp pointed workpieces or workpieces with arcuate surfaces, not covered by any other main group.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Grinding screw threads

B23G 1/36

References out of a residual place

Examples of places in relation to which this place is residual:

Tapering, chamfering, or relief cutting of taps or reamers

B24B 3/20, B24B 3/22

{for knife blades (sharpening table knife blades B24B 3/54)}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Sharpening table knife blades

B24B 3/54

{for grinding rails, T, I, H or other similar profiles}
References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Grinding arrangements for use on assembled railway tracks

E01B 31/17

for grinding the circumferential surface of rings, e.g. piston rings (grinding end faces B24B 7/16, B24B 7/17)
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Grinding end faces

B24B 7/16, B24B 7/17

for grinding turbine blades, propeller blades or the like (using grinding belts B24B 21/16)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Using grinding belts

B24B 21/16

for grinding sharp-pointed workpieces, e.g. needles, pens, fish hooks, tweezers or record player styli (grinding bevels on diamonds or sapphires B24B 9/16; polishing of needles B24B 29/08)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Polishing of needles

B24B 29/08

Grinding or resharpening the ends of welding electrodes

B23K 9/32

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Grinding bevels on diamonds or sapphires

B24B 9/16

for grinding carding equipment, e.g. card-clothings (devices for sharpening card-clothings built in or attachable to carding machines D01G)
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Arrangements for driving carding-machine elements during grinding

D01G 15/38

Card clothing, manufacture thereof

D01G 15/84

for grinding dies (for grinding walls of very fine holes B24B 5/48)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

For grinding walls of very fine holes

B24B 5/48

{of the ends of optical fibres}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Preparing the ends of light guides for coupling, e.g. cutting

G02B 6/25

of wood, e.g. furniture
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Grinding plane surfaces of wood

B24B 7/28

for grinding workpieces with arcuate surfaces, e.g. parts of car bodies, bumpers or magnetic recording heads (grinding of spherical surfaces in general B24B 11/00, of optical surfaces on lenses or surfaces of similar shape on other work B24B 13/00)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Grinding of spherical surfaces in general

B24B 11/00

Of optical surfaces on lenses or surfaces of similar shape on other work

B24B 13/00

for grinding shoes or linings of drum brakes (of brake drum hubs B24B 5/06, of brake discs B24B 7/17)
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Of brake drum hubs

B24B 5/06

Of brake discs

B24B 7/17

Machines or devices using grinding or polishing belts (for sharpening cutting edges of tools B24B 3/00; portable belt-grinding machines B24B 23/06); Accessories therefor
Definition statement

This place covers:

Machines, devices or processes for grinding or polishing, or accessories therefor, using grinding or polishing belts, adapted to the type of workpiece or the shape of the surface to be ground or polished, i.e. rotationally symmetrical, plane or particular shaped surfaces. Accessories therefor, such as belt tension or tracking means.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Portable belt-grinding machines

B24B 23/06

{for grinding edges or bevels}
References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

For sharpening cutting edges of tools

B24B 3/00

for grinding other surfaces of particular shape (single purpose machines for grinding cams or camshafts B24B 19/12)
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Single purpose machines for grinding cams or camshafts

B24B 19/12

Portable grinding machines, e.g. hand-guided; Accessories therefor (B24B 7/18 takes precedence; for grinding seat surfaces B24B 15/00; having a flexible shaft B24B 27/027; grinders for cutting-off B24B 27/08; dust extraction equipment B24B 55/10; details or components, e.g. casings, bodies of portable power-driven tools not particularly related to the operation performed B25F 5/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Portable, e.g. hand-guided, grinding or polishing machines or power tools, embodied as a particular form of machine defined by the tool movement, such as a rotating or oscillating tool or an abrasive belt, or adapted to be fastened on workpieces.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Dust extraction equipment

B24B 55/10

Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

For grinding seat surfaces in valve housings

B24B 15/03

Grinders for cutting-off

B24B 27/08

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Having a flexible shaft

B24B 27/027

Details or components, e.g. casings, bodies of portable power-driven tools not particularly related to the operation performed

B25F 5/00

Grinding machines of universal type
Definition statement

This place covers:

Grinding machines adapted to carry out a plurality of different grinding operations, e.g. external, internal circular and flat surface grinding.

Other grinding machines or devices
Definition statement

This place covers:

Grinding machines and devices defined by their general layout, e.g. of columnar or robot type, or specially adapted to a particular purpose, e.g. descaling or cutting off.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Sawing machines and devices

B23D 45/00 - B23D 65/00

Working stone or stone-like materials by sawing

B28D 1/02

Machines or devices for polishing surfaces on work by means of tools made of soft or flexible material with or without the application of solid or liquid polishing agents (polishing tools in general B24D 13/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Machines, devices or processes for polishing or finishing surfaces on work by means of tools made of soft or flexible material, with or without the application of solid or liquid polishing agents, e.g. using buffing wheels.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Polishing tools in general

B24D 13/00

Machines or devices designed for polishing or abrading surfaces on work by means of tumbling apparatus or other apparatus in which the work and/or the abrasive material is loose; Accessories therefor (abrasive blasting machines B24C 3/26)
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Machines, devices or processes for polishing or abrading surfaces, or accessories therefor,
  • by means of tumbling apparatus, involving work support means such as holders on which the work is fixed, rotary barrels or vibratory containers, or
  • by means of other apparatus in which the work or the abrasive material is loose, e.g. using a magnetically consolidated grinding powder or a plastically deformable grinding compound, moved relatively to the work under the influence of pressure,
  • including abrading bodies specially designed therefor, e.g. abrading balls.
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

for cleaning and working on castings

Tumbling mills for cleaning and working on castings

B22D 31/007

Chemically accelerated vibratory finishing (CAVF)

C23C 22/00

using plastically deformable grinding compound, moved relatively to the workpiece under the influence of pressure
Definition statement

This place covers:

Machines, devices or processes for polishing or abrading surfaces on work by means of plastically deformable grinding compound, moved relatively to the workpiece. When abrading internal surfaces, e.g. of a tube or a flow channel, by operations known in the art as abrasive flow machining, extrude honing or hydro-erosive grinding, the operation is considered as abrading surfaces by means of a plastically deformable grinding compound under the influence of pressure, when the dynamic viscosity of the carrier medium is higher than that of conventional fuels such as diesel.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Abrasive flow machining when the dynamic viscosity of the carrier is less than or equal to that of conventional fuels like diesel, e.g. when water is used as a carrier

B24C 3/327

Accessories; Protective equipment or safety devices; Installations for exhaustion of dust or for sound absorption specially adapted for machines covered by group B24B 31/00 {(in general B24B 55/00)}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

In general

B24B 55/00

Honing machines or devices; Accessories therefor
Definition statement

This place covers:

Machines, devices or processes for honing, i.e. abrading by means of fine grit abrasive blocks along a controlled path of combined movements in order to smoothen a surface or to produce a defined surface texture.

with controlling or gauging equipment (gauging in general G01B; controlling in general G05)
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Gauging in general

G01B

Controlling in general

G05

Honing tools {(for manufacturing gear teeth B23F 21/03)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

For manufacturing gear teeth

B23F 21/03

Machines or devices designed for superfinishing surfaces on work, i.e. by means of abrading blocks reciprocating with high frequency
Definition statement

This place covers:

Machines, devices or processes for superfinishing surfaces, or accessories therefor, i.e. for abrading by means of one or more fine grit abrading blocks or an abrasive band pressed by a shoe (bandfinishing) along a controlled path of combined movements. Typically, the block or shoe is oscillated with a short stroke and relatively high frequency while the work is rotated, in order to improve surface finish or produce a defined surface texture such as a cross-hatch pattern. Superfinishing is also referred to as microfinishing, or short-stroke honing, in the art.

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "superfinishing", "microfinishing" and "short-stroke honing"
{for making three-dimensional objects (by electroerosion B23H 5/04)}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Electric discharge machining combined with mechanical working

B23H 5/04

Lapping machines or devices; Accessories (B24B 3/00 takes precedence)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Lapping machines or devices and accessories for surface finishing by rubbing the surface of the work and the surface of a tool, e.g. a lapping plate or lapping pad, generally shaped corresponding to the work surface, against each other, mainly with loose abrasives rolling or sliding between the surfaces. The abrasives may be dispersed in a liquid medium, i.e. a slurry, or in a paste, or fixed to the lapping pad.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Polishing compositions containing abrasives or grinding agents

C09G 1/02

Anti-slip materials; Abrasives

C09K 3/14

Processes and apparatus adapted for the manufacture or treatment of semiconductor devices, electric solid state devices not otherwise provided for

H01L 21/00

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Lapping

Surface finishing by rubbing the surface of the work and the surface of a lapping tool, e.g. a lapping plate or lapping pad, that is mostly shaped corresponding to the work surface, against each other, mainly with loose abrasives rolling and sliding between the surfaces; the abrasives may be dispersed in a liquid medium, i.e. a slurry, or in a paste, or fixed to the lapping pad.

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "lapping" and "polishing"
Control means for lapping machines or devices
Definition statement

This place covers:

Systems, devices or methods specially adapted for the control or regulation of lapping machines or devices and operations performed by them.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Special adaptations of machines or devices for grinding controlled by patterns, drawings, magnetic tapes or the like

B24B 17/00

Measuring or gauging equipment for controlling the feed movement of the grinding tool or work; Arrangements of indicating or measuring equipment

B24B 49/00

Arrangements for automatic control of a series of individual steps in grinding a workpiece

B24B 51/00

Automatic control or regulation of feed movement or position of tool or work

B23Q 15/00

Control or regulating systems in general; Functional elements of such systems

G05B

Systems for controlling or regulating non-electric variables or for regulating electric or magnetic variables

G05D, G05F

Devices or means for detecting lapping completion
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Measuring or gauging equipment for controlling the feed movement of the grinding tool or work according to the instantaneous size and required size of the workpiece acted upon

B24B 49/02

Measuring or gauging equipment for controlling the feed movement of the grinding tool or work involving electrical or optical means, or taking regard of the load

B24B 49/10, B24B 49/12, B24B 49/16

Temperature control
Definition statement

This place covers:

Systems, devices or methods for cooling, or temperature control of, the work, a component of the lapping machine, the ambient air, or the slurry specially adapted for lapping purposes

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Measuring or gauging equipment for controlling the feed movement of the grinding tool or work taking regard of the temperature during grinding

B24B 49/14

Accessory equipment fitted to grinding or polishing machines for cooling the grinding surfaces, including devices for feeding coolant

B24B 55/02

Arrangements for cooling work, tools or parts of machine tools in general

B23Q 11/10, B23Q 11/12

Methods or arrangements for maintaining a constant temperature in parts of machine tools in general

B23Q 11/14

designed for working surfaces of revolution
Definition statement

This place covers:

Devices or methods for lapping surfaces or parts of surfaces of revolution, e.g. cylindrical surfaces, on a single work piece or on a plurality of work pieces. Typically, a plurality of work pieces, such as balls or cylinders are lapped by rolling the work pieces held between two lapping plates that are relatively rotating to each other. One lapping plate may be replaced by a holding structure, such as a holding plate or holding rollers.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Machines or devices designed for grinding cylindrical surfaces, e.g. on bolts

B24B 5/225

Machines or devices designed for conical surfaces

B24B 5/245

Machines or devices designed for grinding spherical surfaces or parts of spherical surfaces on work, for grinding balls, involving grinding wheels acting by the front faces, e.g. of plane, grooved, or beveled shape

B24B 11/06

Special rules of classification

Lapping of edges of disk-shaped workpieces, e.g. of wafers, classify also in B24B 9/065

designed for working plane surfaces
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Machines or devices designed for grinding plane surfaces on work, including plane glass surfaces; Accessories therfor, for grinding thin, brittle parts, e.g. semiconductors, wafers

B24B 7/228

Apparatus specially adapted for the mechanical treatment of semiconductor devices or of parts thereof to change the physical characteristics of their surfaces, or to change their shape, e.g. grinding or polishing

H01L 21/304

characterised by the movement of the work or lapping tool
Definition statement

This place covers:

Devices and methods defined by features that relate to the type of movement in the plane of contact of the work or its carrier and the lapping tool with respect to each other. Typically, the work or carrier can either be driven, e.g. rotatably or in a combined or superposed movement, or can be loosely arranged on the lapping tool without direct drive for movement in a quasi random manner.

Lapping plates for working plane surfaces
Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Lapping plate

A lapping plate is a rigid, self-supporting structure used as the lapping tool itself or as a support for a lapping pad

characterised by the shape of the lapping plate surface, e.g. grooved
Definition statement

This place covers:

Lapping plates characterised by the shape or geometry of the lapping plate surface contacting the work or lapping pad, e.g. provided with particular holes, grooves or recesses.

Lapping pads for working plane surfaces
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Grinding or buffing wheels having flexibly-acting working parts acting by the front face

B24D 13/14

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Lapping pad

A lapping pad is made of relatively soft material, usually provided on a support structure, i.e. the lapping plate, for holding the loose abrasive temporarily during lapping or having the abrasive incorporated therein (fixed abrasive)

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "lapping pad" and "polishing cloth"
characterised by a multi-layered structure
Definition statement

This place covers:

Lapping pads characterised by being composed of two or more layers

{Pads with fixed abrasives}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Grinding thin, brittle parts, e.g. semiconductors, wafers

B24B 7/228

characterised by the shape of the lapping pad surface, e.g. grooved
Definition statement

This place covers:

Lapping pads characterised by the shape or geometry of the lapping pad surface contacting the work, e.g. provided with grooves of particular cross section or location on the pad.

Work carriers
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Work supports, e.g. adjustable steadies, of grinding machines or devices

B24B 41/06

Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components thereof using specially adapted carriers

H01L 21/673

Accessories
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Devices or means for dressing, cleaning or otherwise conditioning lapping tools

B24B 53/017

Devices for feeding, applying, grading or recovering grinding, polishing or lapping agents

B24B 57/00

{Feeding, loading or unloading work specially adapted to lapping}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Combinations or associations of metal-working machines comprising features relating to transfer of work between machines

B23Q 41/02

Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components thereof for conveying, e.g. between different work stations, for positioning, orientation or alignment, or for supporting or gripping

H01L 21/677, H01L 21/68, H01L 21/683

Burnishing machines or devices, i.e. requiring pressure members for compacting the surface zone (modifying the physical properties or structure of metal by burnishing C21D 7/08, C22F 1/00); Accessories therefor
Definition statement

This place covers:

Machines, devices or processes for burnishing, i.e. plastically deforming a work on a small scale by means of rubbing or rolling a tool, e.g. a roller or ball, on the work. Burnishing is not an abrading operation but used as an alternative to abrasive finishing operations in order to improve the surface finish or surface hardness of the work.

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Modifying the physical properties of iron or steel surfaces by burnishing or the like

C21D 7/08

Changing the physical structure of non-ferrous metals or alloys by cold working

C22F 1/00

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Rolling grooves

B21H 7/18

Finishing surfaces by hammering or applying repeated pressure

B23P 9/04

{Peening and tools therefor}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Machines, devices or processes for burnishing by peening, whereby the peening media is guided on its path during peening action.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Shot-peening

B24C 1/10, C21D 7/06

Component parts such as frames, beds, carriages, headstocks
Definition statement

This place covers:

Component parts specially adapted to grinding, polishing or finishing machines or devices, comprising component parts, such as frames, beds, carriages, headstocks or work supports

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Components of machine tools in general

B23Q

{Feeding or manipulating devices specially adapted to grinding machines (feeding, loading or unloading work specially adapted to lapping machines B24B 37/345)}
References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Feeding, loading or unloading work specially adapted to lapping machines

B24B 37/345

{Grinding spindles with magnetic or electromagnetic bearings; Features related thereto (electric motors with magnetic bearings H02K 7/09)}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Electric motors with magnetic bearings

H02K 7/09

{adapted for supporting work in the form of tools, e.g. drills}
Definition statement

This place covers:

work supports for supporting workpieces in the form of tools, e.g. knives, chisels, drills.

Means for securing grinding wheels on rotary arbors (suppression of vibrations in systems F16F 15/00; testing static or dynamic balancing of machines G01M 1/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Means for securing grinding or polishing wheels on rotary arbors, e.g. quick mount or release means for power tools.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Suppression of vibrations in systems

F16F 15/00

Testing static or dynamic balancing of machines

G01M 1/00

Drives or gearings; Equipment therefor
Definition statement

This place covers:

Drives or gearings for performing movement of carriages or spindles, including equipment therefor, e.g. for the exact control of the position of the tool or work at the start of the operation or for preventing backlash.

Measuring or gauging equipment for controlling the feed movement of the grinding tool or work; Arrangements of indicating or measuring equipment, e.g. for indicating the start of the grinding operation (B24B 33/06, B24B 37/005 take precedence; if applicable to other machine tools, B23Q 15/00 - B23Q 17/00 take precedence)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Measuring or gauging equipment as well as arrangements of indicating or measuring equipment, adapted to grinding or polishing.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Gauging instruments in general

G01B

Arrangements for automatic control of a series of individual steps in grinding a workpiece (if applicable to other machine tools, G05B takes precedence)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Arrangements for automatic control of a series of individual steps in grinding or polishing a workpiece.

Devices or means for dressing or conditioning abrasive surfaces (compensation for grinding wheel abrasion resulting from dressing B24B 47/25)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Means or methods for dressing or conditioning grinding or polishing surfaces, e.g. by truing by removing material from the abrasive tool to maintain tool geometry, e.g. concentricity, or to (re-) profile a form into the abrasive surface, sharpening by removing small amounts of binding material from the abrasive surface to expose abrasive grains or by breaking abrasive grains to produce sharper cutting edges on the grain, or cleaning the surface of an abrasive tool or a lapping pad in order to remove debris from the space between the grains or pores of the pad.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Compensation for grinding wheel abrasion resulting from dressing

B24B 47/25

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "dressing"and " conditioning"
Cooling or lubricating during dressing operation (cooling the grinding surfaces B24B 55/02)
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Cooling the grinding surfaces

B24B 55/02

Safety devices for grinding or polishing machines; Accessories fitted to grinding or polishing machines for keeping tools or parts of the machine in good working condition (of general applicability for machine tools B23Q 11/00; in general F16P)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Devices and accessories and processes adapted to grinding or polishing machines for ensuring working safety, e.g. tool protective covers, or for keeping tools or parts of the machine in good working condition, e.g. equipment for lubricating or cooling, as well as devices for collecting or recovering material of the workpiece removed by grinding or polishing.

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

For tumbling apparatus

B24B 31/12

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Of general applicability for machine tools

B23Q 11/00

Safety devices in general

F16P

Equipment for cooling the grinding surfaces, e.g. devices for feeding coolant (cooling or lubricating during dressing operation B24B 53/095; incorporated in grinding wheels B24D)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Cooling equipment incorporated in grinding wheels

B24D

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Cooling or lubricating during dressing operation

B24B 53/095

Protective covers for the grinding wheel
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

For parts of machine tools in general

B23Q 11/08

Dust extraction equipment on grinding or polishing machines (B24B 31/12 takes precedence)
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Specially designed for sawing machines and devices

B23D 59/006

Devices for removing chips in machine tools in general

B23Q 11/0042

Devices for feeding, applying, grading or recovering grinding, polishing or lapping agents (for abrasive blasting B24C 1/00, B24C 7/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Means and methods for grading, supplying or recovering grinding, polishing or lapping agents in solid form, e.g. as wax or powder, or fluid form, e.g. as a liquid or spray.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

In conjunction with fine working of gems, jewels, crystals

B28D 5/007