Patent ID: 8585467
Filing Date: 2013-11-19
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for grinding or polishing at least one edge of a glass substrate, the apparatus comprising: a grinding unit configured to remove a predetermined amount of material from the at least one edge when in an aligned position with respect to the glass substrate; an air bearing slide system coupled to the grinding unit, the air bearing slide system being configured to slide along a predetermined axis on a thin film of pressurized air that provides a zero friction load bearing interface; and a linear actuation motor coupled to the air bearing slide system, the linear actuation motor being configured to control the movement of the air bearing slide system such that the grinding unit is moved from a non-aligned position with respect to the glass substrate to the aligned position with respect to the glass substrate, whereby the grinding unit applies a predetermined force normal to the at least one edge, the predetermined force being directly proportional to the predetermined amount and less than a normal force resulting in glass substrate breakage.