Patent ID: 7223164
Filing Date: 2007-05-29
Classification: B24B,B24D,Y10S

Abstract:
1. Tool ( 1 ) for surfacing an optical surface ( 2 ), which tool comprises a rigid support ( 4 ) having a transverse end surface ( 13 ), an elastically compressible interface ( 5 ) that is pressed against and covers said end surface ( 13 ), and a flexible buffer ( 6 ) adapted to be pressed against the optical surface ( 2 ) and which is pressed against and covers at least part of the interface ( 5 ) on the side opposite to and in line with said end surface ( 13 ), characterized in that the buffer has a central portion ( 6 a ) that is in line with said end surface ( 13 ) and a peripheral portion ( 14 ) that is transversely beyond said end surface ( 13 ) and return spring means are provided ( 15 ) for joining this peripheral portion ( 14 ) to the support ( 4 ) which means comprise a flat or curved leaf-spring ( 18 ) fixed rigidly, on the inside, to the support ( 4 ) and having a continuous peripheral portion ( 22 ) cooperating with said peripheral portion ( 14 ) of said buffer ( 6 ) by bearing thereon, directly or through the intermediary of the single interface ( 5 ), means for stabilizing the tool during surfacing being formed by said return means ( 15 ) and by said peripheral portion ( 14 ) of the buffer ( 6 ), said tool being adapted to perform surfacing essentially in said central portion ( 6 a ) of said buffer ( 6 ).