Linear pressure feed grinding with voice coil

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for grinding or polishing at least one edge of a glass substrate. The apparatus includes a grinding unit configured to remove a predetermined amount of material from the edge when in an aligned position. The grinding unit applies a predetermined force normal to the edge. An air bearing slide system is coupled to the grinding unit. The air bearing slide system is configured to slide along a predetermined axis on a thin film of pressurized air that provides a zero friction load bearing interface. A linear actuation motor is coupled to the air bearing slide system. The linear actuation motor is configured to control the movement of the air bearing slide system such that the grinding unit is moved from a non-aligned position to the aligned position.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus for grinding or polishing an edge of a glass substrate, the apparatus comprising:
 a grinding unit configured to remove a predetermined amount of material from the edge of the glass sheet, the grinding unit comprising:
 an air bearing motor; 
 a grinding wheel, wherein the air bearing motor is configured to drive the grinding wheel; 
 a counter-weight; and 
 a support platform having (1) a first end on which there is supported the air bearing motor and on the air bearing motor there is supported the grinding wheel; and (2) a second end which is opposite the first end where on the second end there is supported the counter-weight; 
   an air bearing support structure comprising:
 an air bearing cylinder; and 
 a stationary housing, wherein the air hearing cylinder is at least partially extending from the stationary housing, and wherein the air bearing cylinder is coupled to a center portion of the support platform so that the support platform pivots about a longitudinal axis of the air bearing cylinder whereby the longitudinal axis of the air bearing cylinder functions as an axis of rotation for the grinding unit, wherein the air bearing cylinder has zero frictional resistance opposing a pivotal movement of the support platform about the longitudinal axis of the air bearing cylinder; and 
   a pneumatic cylinder, coupled to the air bearing motor, configured to apply a predetermined three in a direction that is normal to the edge of the glass substrate.   
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , further comprising a conveyor vacuum chuck which is disposed proximate to the grinding wheel, wherein the glass substrate is placed on the conveyor vacuum chuck. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , further comprising a coolant nozzle which is located where the grinding wheel interfaces the conveyor vacuum chuck and the glass substrate. 
     
     
         18 . A method for grinding or polishing an edge of a glass substrate, the method comprising steps of
 providing a grinding unit configured to remove a predetermined amount of material tram the edge of the glass sheet, the grinding unit comprising:
 an air bearing motor; 
 a grinding wheel, wherein the air bearing motor is configured to drive the grinding wheel; 
 a counter-weight; and 
 a support platform having (1) a first end on which there is supported the air bearing, motor and on the air hearing molar there is supported the grinding wheel; and (2) a second end which is opposite the first end where on the second end there is supported the counter-weight; 
   providing an air bearing support structure comprising:
 an air bearing cylinder; and 
 a stationary housing, wherein the air bearing cylinder is at least partially extending from the stationary housing, and wherein the air bearing cylinder is coupled. to a center of the support platform so that the support platform pivots about a longitudinal axis of the air bearing cylinder whereby the longitudinal axis of the air hearing cylinder functions as an axis of rotation for the grinding unit, wherein the air bearing cylinder has zero frictional resistance opposing a pivotal movement of the support platform about the longitudinal axis of the air bearing cylinder; 
   supplying a flow at air to the air bearing support structure;   applying a predetermined force to the grinding wheel in a direction that is normal to the edge of the glass substrate; and   moving the glass substrate in a tangential direction relative to the grinding unit to remove the predetermined amount of material from the edge or conversely the grinding unit is moved relative to the glass substrate.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising a step of providing a conveyor vacuum chuck which is disposed proximate to the grinding wheel, wherein the glass substrate is placed on the conveyor vacuum chuck. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising a step of providing a coolant nozzle which is located where the grinding wheel interfaces the conveyor vacuum chuck and the glass substrate.