Abstract: A device for surface finishing of parts may include: an annular container configured to receive working media and at least one part, the container having a central axis and bottom surface; vibratory means associated with the container for causing the container to oscillate, wherein the vibratory means is configured to cause the at least one part to circulate in the container along a path; and at least one projection on the bottom surface and having a crest extending along a respective radial direction, an ascending lateral surface from the bottom surface to the crest, and a descending lateral surface from the crest to the bottom surface. The device may further include a plurality of the projections. The projections may change a spatial orientation of the at least one part as it moves on the projections. The crest may be inclined with respect to the radial direction downwards toward the axis.

Abstract: An invention is provided for creating smoothed, heat-treated glass fragments. The invention includes placing a plurality of heat-treated glass fragments into a tumbling or vibrating apparatus. Each heat-treated glass fragment is formed from glass that has been heated to a temperature of at least 1000° Fahrenheit and rapidly cooled to a temperature below 800° Fahrenheit. The plurality of glass fragments is then tumbled or vibrated for a predetermined period of time such that surfaces of the heat-treated glass fragments are smoother than prior to tumbling. The glass fragments are thereafter removed from the tumbling apparatus, resulting in smoothed, heat-treated glass fragments that have a slightly rounded, bead like-shape and are suitable for direct handling without hand protection.

Abstract: At least one magnetic medium is loaded into a cavity of a build piece. The build piece is created by an additive manufacturing process. The magnetic medium is magnetically moved in the cavity.

Abstract: Vibratory treatment apparatus including a first receptacle arranged to receive media for vibratory treatment of the article, the first receptacle defining a first aperture; and a first valve positioned at the first aperture of the first receptacle, the first valve being arranged to allow passage of the article there through and to prevent the flow of media through the first aperture.

Abstract: An invention is provided for creating smoothed, heat-treated glass fragments. The invention includes placing a plurality of heat-treated glass fragments into a tumbling or vibrating apparatus. Each heat-treated glass fragment is formed from glass that has been heated to a temperature of at least 1000° Fahrenheit and rapidly cooled to a temperature below 700° Fahrenheit. The plurality of glass fragments are then tumbled or vibrated for a predetermined period of time such that surfaces of the heat-treated glass fragments are smoother than prior to tumbling. The glass fragments are thereafter removed from the tumbling apparatus, resulting in smoothed, heat-treated glass fragments that are suitable for direct handling without hand protection.

Abstract: An invention is provided for creating smoothed, heat-treated glass fragments. The invention includes placing a plurality of heat-treated glass fragments into a tumbling or vibrating apparatus. Each heat-treated glass fragment is formed from glass that has been heated to a temperature of at least 1000° Fahrenheit and rapidly cooled to a temperature below 700° Fahrenheit. The plurality of glass fragments are then tumbled or vibrated for a predetermined period of time such that surfaces of the heat-treated glass fragments are smoother than prior to tumbling. The glass fragments are thereafter removed from the tumbling apparatus, resulting in smoothed, heat-treated glass fragments that are suitable for direct handling without hand protection.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly is described and which includes a reciprocally moveable and elongated conveyor bed; a drive assembly which imparts reciprocal motion to the elongated conveyor bed; and a controller for selectively energizing the drive assembly and which is operable to move a product deposited on the conveyor bed along a selectively adjustable path of travel.

Abstract: Device for the artificial aging of stones with at least an aging channel arranged on a support, a vibration device to set the support in motion, and a conveying device to move the stone through the aging channel. The aging channel has at least a first and a second impacting surface, which apply the aging effect to the stone. The aging channel comprises at least two sections, wherein the stone moves through a first section in a first feed direction and wherein a second section runs at an angle to the first section, so the stone is deflected in its feed direction to move into a second feed direction.

Abstract: An example component polishing method includes polishing a component, and protecting at least a portion of a component during the polishing using a sacrificial mask. Some of the sacrificial mask is removed during the polishing.

Abstract: A finishing apparatus and method for surface finishing workpieces. A tub is rotatable about vertical axis and operable to hold and rotate abrasive media completely submerged in water or other liquid. One or more manipulators, each supporting a spindle operable for supporting and rotating a workpiece about a spindle axis of the spindle with the workpiece at least partially submerged in the abrasive media and operable for holding spindle axis normal to and spaced apart from the vertical axis with the spindle horizontal in the tub during the surface finishing process while the tub is rotating. Manipulators are independently operable to present one of the workpieces for loading and unloading on and off spindle while tub is rotating and continuing to process the other workpieces submerged in the media and water. A rake includes a plate and means for lifting the plate up and down vertically through the abrasive media.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for disassembling a flat display device including a panel that includes a pair of glass substrates each having display materials formed on a surface thereof, the glass substrates being arranged so as to face each other. In the disassembling method, rotation body (10) which has recesses and projections (10a) inside thereof and rotates at a non-constant speed is used. The panel is disassembled so as to be separated into glass substrates (1a) and (1b) to thereby expose the display materials, glass substrates (1a) and (1b) each having the display materials formed on the surface thereof are then put into rotation body (10), and rotation body (10) is then rotated to perform a process for removing the display materials from the surface of each of glass substrates (1a) and (1b).

Abstract: A method of superfinishing a large hollow wheel gear in a vibratory bowl having a center hub comprises at least partially filling the vibratory bowl with an amount of finishing media, laying the gear horizontally into the bowl over the center hub, supplying a quantity of an active chemistry into the bowl and agitating the vibratory bowl at a frequency such that the gear settles into and is fully supported by the media. By controlling the process parameters, the hollow wheel gear may be caused to rotate in the media and can be made to float at a desired level. The method is particularly suitable for hollow wheel gears for large wind turbines.

Abstract: In a method for the automatic gap setting in slide grinding machines having a turntable, the gap width between the turntable and the work container is automatically set by a regulation, with a reference value for the gap width of zero being determined.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the present invention comprises a plurality of cleaning tanks configured to store a cleaning liquid, an object-to-be-processed holder capable of being inserted into each cleaning tank, the object-to-be-processed holder being configured to hold an object to be processed and to immerse the object to be processed into the cleaning liquid, a vibrator disposed on each cleaning tank, a single ultrasonic oscillator configured to make each vibrator ultrasonically vibrate, an output switch interposed between the ultrasonic oscillator and the vibrator of each respective cleaning tank, the output switch being configured to switch the vibrator that is connected to the ultrasonic oscillator, and a control device configured to control the ultrasonic oscillator and the output switch, wherein the control device controls the ultrasonic oscillator and the output switch such that a timing at which the vibrator of one of the cleaning tanks is made to ultrasonically vibrate, and a tim

Abstract: A chamber for an abrading apparatus comprising an inlet, an outlet, a main body and an insert, the main body comprising a recess on an inner surface thereof between the inlet and the outlet, whereby, in use, the insert is removably retained in the recess. The apparatus also comprises a housing and actuation means, the chamber being pivotably secured at one end to the housing by a quick release pin, wherein the actuation means is connected to the chamber and operable to cause the chamber to pivot with respect to the housing toward and/or away from the abrasive surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for abrading the surface of objects are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a chamber, an abrasive surface defining a wall of said chamber and drive means for moving the abrasive surface relative to the chamber. In use, the aforementioned relative movement promotes circulation of the objects within the chamber, wherein the chamber is shaped such that regions of flow stagnation of the objects within the chamber are avoided or minimized. Additionally or alternatively, the chamber may be shaped to approximate the peripheral flow path of the objects within the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning machine (MA) comprising a vessel (VE) having a stirring member (BA) mounted therein, the stirring member carrying a load of utensils of a first type. The stirring member also carries a load of utensils of a second type. The invention also provides a method of cleaning using such a machine, containing a cleaning liquid (WA). The method has a first cleaning stage during which the level of the liquid (WA) is lower than or equal to the level of the content of the stirring member (BA). It optionally includes a second cleaning stage during which the level of the liquid (WA) is higher than the level of the content of the stirring member (BA).

Abstract: Vibratory tumblers for processing workpieces and methods for manufacturing such vibratory tumblers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a vibratory tumbler includes a base, a support member movably coupled to the base, a bowl configured for removable attachment to the support member, and a motor attached to the support member for moving the bowl relative to the base. The bowl is sized and configured such that the support member and at least one-fourth of the base can be received within the bowl while the support member is coupled to the base.

Abstract: A vibrating lap polishing system for flat items, comprising a polish pan with flexible bottom mounted on a base having three or more round-head bolts of equal height extending vertically above the base surface and positioned at one hundred twenty degree spacing on a circle about the base center; a center bolt attached to and extending below the pan center into a nut rotated by horizontally positioned gears, a center gear which rotates the nut and an outer meshed gear available from the outside work area to raise and lower the workpiece during operation. Means, which put no holes in the polish pan, are provided to pull the polish pan down onto the round-head bolts which create raised areas in the flexible pan-bottom. A flat-bottomed multi-item workpiece is circulated and rotated in an unsynchronized manner over the raised areas which creates a complete polish of the workpiece after sufficient cycles.

Abstract: A cleaning medium flies with an air current in a cleaning tank to collide with an object to be cleaned so as to remove an extraneous substance attached to the object. The cleaning medium includes an outer surface that comes into contact with the object and an inner surface that remains out of contact with the object. The cleaning medium is flexible and formed in a shape that allows the air current to flow from the outside onto the inner surface of the cleaning medium.

Abstract: A method for treating bearing components includes treating the bearing components in a tumbling-type cutting surface treatment; treating the bearing components in a tumbling-type burnishing treatment; and treating the bearing components in a tumbling-type cleaning and polishing treatment, to provide finished components.

Abstract: A process for artificially ageing blocks, in particular concrete blocks, vitrified bricks and natural stones, provides that the blocks are applied to an underlying surface. Essentially freely movable distressing bodies are applied to the surface to be worked of the blocks. The blocks and the distressing bodies are brought into movement in relation to one another by a vibrating motion of the underlying surface in such a way that the distressing bodies act on the surface and the adjoining, exposed edges of the blocks.

Abstract: A method of polishing a first component by a second component of a tribological pair is disclosed. The method includes mating the first component to the second component in a tribological configuration. The first component and the second component are moved such that a first surface of the first component and a second surface of the second component contact and slide against each other, so that the second component polishes the first component. The method further includes discontinuing moving of the first component and the second component when the first surface obtains a desired surface finish.

Abstract: A process for artificially ageing blocks, in particular concrete blocks, vitrified bricks and natural stones, provides that the blocks are applied to an underlying surface. Essentially freely movable distressing bodies are applied to the surface to be worked of the blocks. The blocks and the distressing bodies are brought into movement in relation to one another by a vibrating motion of the underlying surface in such a way that the distressing bodies act on the surface and the adjoining, exposed edges of the blocks.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus with an integrated cleaning sheet for cleaning the internal working components of a piece of electronic equipment along a predetermined media path. The cleaning apparatus includes a base material having a leading end and a trailing end. A cleaning sheet is disposed proximate the leading end of the base material and is for cleaning at least one internal working component of the electronic equipment. An adhesive strip attaches the cleaning sheet to the leading end of the base material. To clean an internal component of electronic equipment, the cleaning apparatus is fed through the reading, writing or scan heads (r/w/s heads) of a piece of electronic equipment when the electronic equipment is disposed in a normally-engaged position.

Abstract: A rotational processor comprises an outer vessel and a plurality of inner vessels having an outer traction surface adapted for rolling contact with an inner surface of the outer vessel. A plurality of drive rollers drive the inner vessels about a center line of the outer vessel in rolling contact with the outer vessel. Each of the drive rollers contacts each of a pair of adjacently located inner vessels when the inner vessels are not being driven about the outer vessel. The outer traction surfaces compress in response to centrifugal forces applied by the rolling contact with the outer vessel such that each of the drive rollers separates from one of the adjacently located pair of the inner vessels.

Abstract: A process for the artificial aging of stones, particularly concrete blocks, clinker blocks and natural stones, provides for the stones to be applied to a support. Impact units that move essentially freely are applied to the surface of the stones that is to be processed. The stones and the impact units are set in motion in relation to each other by vibration of the support in such a way that the impact units act on the surface and the adjacent, exposed edges of the stones.

Abstract: A machine for finishing automotive wheels having a rotatable turret, a plurality of containers or barrel cages journaled on the turret capable of selective rotation independent of the turret, with cartridges loaded into said containers or cages from the end through openings in the turret and fixtures in the containers that stably hold automotive wheels in said containers for selective reception of said media. The wheels are held in stable position by a fixture that comprises two part cushioned supports for permitting selective reception of media about the surface of the wheel that requires finishing. The cartridges may be loaded in and out of the barrel cages by means of a conveyor system.

Abstract: A dry surface treating apparatus of the present invention comprises, within a treating chamber, a surface-treating material supply section and a tubular barrel having a porous peripheral surface for accommodating a work piece, to treat a surface of the work piece while rotating the tubular barrel horizontally arranged about a horizontal rotational axis, wherein the tubular barrel has a slide stop for stopping a slide of the accommodated work piece along an inner peripheral surface of the tubular barrel due to rotation of the tubular barrel. According to the dry surface treating apparatus of the invention, because the work piece is inverted of surfaces within the tubular barrel, the time the work piece at each surface faces the surface-treating material supply section is made equivalent. Consequently, it is possible to provide even deposited-film formation or surface treatment to the opposite surfaces of a work piece, particularly, a rare earth metal-based permanent magnet in a plate or bow form.

Abstract: A machine for finishing automotive wheels having a rotatable turret, a plurality of containers or barrel cages journaled on the turret capable of selective rotation independent of the turret, with cartridges loaded into said containers or cages from the end through openings in the turret and fixtures in the containers that stably hold automotive wheels in said containers for selective reception of said media. The wheels are held in stable position by a fixture that comprises two part cushioned supports for permitting selective reception of media about the surface of the wheel that requires finishing. The cartridges may be loaded in and out of the barrel cages by means of a conveyor system.

Abstract: The invention provides a grinding machine for grinding grinding material by means of grinding bodies or wheels, having at least one grinding unit and two parts rotatable relative thereto, which has a container for receiving grinding material and a rotary disk placed above a container base, accompanied by the formation of a finite gap.

Abstract: A method for forming a tool having a smooth surface finish is disclosed. The method involves the step of first rotating a plurality of tools within an inner vessel at high speed relative to the outer vessel with a first abrasive. The first abrasive is then removed and a second abrasive is added to the vessel. The inner vessel is then rotated, again at high speed, with the second abrasive. The resulting tools have reduced surface anomalies.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vibrating abrasive cleaning apparatus and method which is powered by at least one electric motor specially fabricated to the cleaning container assembly mounted on a rigid square tubing frame on one side by compression springs, on the opposite side by tension springs. The compression springs and tension springs have a different spring rate which produces better rolling of the media and therefore, faster circulation and cleaning. The specially fabricated electric motor attached to the cleaning container provides for enhanced oscillation and much greater cleaning capabilities thereby reducing the cleaning time. The entire vibrating assembly sits on a base and has a lid operated by a cable and counterweight for ease in loading the container for oscillation of the parts.

Abstract: This invention concerns a machine for the drying, polishing and burnishing cutlery and other metal tableware. It consists of a tank suspended upon a base and moved by a vibrating device, having a treatment channel (15) designed to receive a drying material and the articles for treatment. The treatment channel (15) rises in a spiral from an entrance chute at the loading mouth to an exit passage or chute for the articles and has, in a transverse cross-section, a U-shaped bottom (22) defined by a substantially cylindrical concave surface and, lengthways, by a series of straight segments (23) which alternate with and are joined to curved segments (24), without sharp edges or corners. Ideally, the channel has a steeper gradient towards the exit.

Abstract: A process and apparatus wherein a bulk quantity of parts is positioned in a channel-like treating chamber which is subjected to vibration to cause the flowable mass of parts to slowly undergo a corkscrew-like tumbling movement. One or more nozzle arrangements are positioned adjacent the treating chamber so that each nozzle has its discharge orifice position closely adjacent the flowing bulk mass in the chamber to effect high-velocity blasting of a selected region of the flowing mass. The nozzle emits a high-velocity spray which is defined by a carrier medium such as air having small abrasive particles or grit embedded therein. The abrasive spray contacts a concentrated area which has relatively small transverse and longitudinal extent over the flowing mass in the chamber. Due to its high-velocity discharge, the spray is effective in penetrating at least partway into the depth of the flowing mass to abrade the parts.

Abstract: A horizontal centrifugal finisher is disclosed for subjecting a product to centrifugal and rotational motion. The finisher includes a main frame which rotationally supports a central shaft about a horizontal longitudinal axis. At least two radial supports are mounted to and extend radially outward from the shaft. One or more containers are rotatably supported by the radial supports. Each container has two side walls, two end walls, a bottom and an open top. The walls and the bottom define an enclosure for containing products to be finished. A cover is attached to the container for closing off the open top. A drive system is incorporated into the finisher for rotating the containers. The drive system includes a primary drive system adapted to rotate the shaft about its horizontal axis, and a secondary drive system adapted to rotate the containers about their respective longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device for grinding or polishing workpieces by means of an abrasive, having a container and a rotary disk located therein and rotatable relative thereto, in which the rotary disk is made from elastic material, is provided with an upwardly directed rim and said rim has a finite spacing from the adjacent inner wall of the container.

Abstract: A machine for finishing automotive wheels having a rotatable turret, a plurality of containers or barrel cages journaled on the turret capable of selective rotation independent of the turret, with cartridges loaded into said containers or cages from the end through openings in the turret and fixtures in the containers that stably hold automotive wheels in said containers for selective reception of said media. The wheels are held in stable position by a fixture that comprises two part cushioned supports for permitting selective reception of media about the surface of the wheel that requires finishing. The cartridges may be loaded in and out of the barrel cages by means of a conveyor system.

Abstract: A barrel polishing apparatus which can easily hold a work having a large mass and detach therefrom. The barrel polishing apparatus includes a polishing medium receiving container having a polishing medium received therein and a work supporting arm for holding the work. The position of the work supporting arm is shifted from the center of the polishing medium receiving container. The polishing medium receiving container rotates about a vertical axis to form a continuous circumferential flow of polishing medium therein and includes an upper end opening for receiving the work attached to a distal end of the work supporting arm. The work supporting arm is oriented diagonally toward a direction of the continuous circumferential flow of polishing medium.

Abstract: A barrel container for a dry barrel polishing machine includes a container body made of an elastic material and having an access opening through which polishing chips and workpieces are put into the container body. The container body has a wall with a through hole providing communication between an exterior and an interior of the container body, and a lid opening and closing the access opening.

Abstract: A spiral-flow barrel finishing machine having a cylindrical stationary barrel and a rotary barrel closed at the bottom thereof includes an escape layer or air layer provided between an inner side of a metallic wall of the stationary barrel and an outer side of a lining layer being formed thereon for allowing for outward thermal expansion of the lining layer. The escape layer is provided over a specific area between the inner side of the metallic wall of the stationary barrel and the outer side of the lining layer formed thereon.

Abstract: In a grinding machine comprising a stationary wall part and a plate part which rotates about an axis of rotation, between which a gap is formed, the gap is limited from above by a ceramic part and from below by an elastic part.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning and decontaminating the internal working components of a piece of electronic equipment along a predetermined media path includes a base material having first and second surfaces. The apparatus also includes a cleaning substrate disposed on the first surface for cleaning at least one internal working component of the electronic equipment; and an adhesive substrate disposed on one of the first and second surfaces for decontaminating at least one internal working component of the electronic equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for performing high speed processing of a workpiece. The apparatus includes an outer vessel having an inner surface and a central axis. At least one intermediate vessel is located within the outer vessel and has an outer surface which contacts the inner surface of the outer vessel. At least one inner vessel is positioned within the intermediate vessel and adapted to receive an object to be subjected to a manufacturing process. The inner vessel is located at a position within the intermediate vessel such that the central axis of the inner vessel is spaced apart from the central axis of the outer vessel. A drive system controls the rolling of the intermediate vessel along the inner surface of the outer vessel. The rolling of the intermediate vessel causes the inner vessel to rotate about its axis and the axis of the outer vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vibrating abrasive cleaning apparatus and method which is powered by a hydraulic drive motor mounted to a square tubing fame which is housed within an enclosure that is vibrated by an eccentric shaft assembly directly coupled to the hydraulic drive motor and square tubing frame. The container assembly is mounted on the rigid square tubing frame, on one side by compression springs, on the opposite side by tension springs. The compression springs and tension springs have a different spring rate which produces better rolling of the media and therefore, faster parts circulation and cleaning. To further give flexibility to the cleaning process the hydraulic power supply is equipped with the variable volume piston pump to give infinite speed settings.

Abstract: A process of dry polishing molded or lathe cut intraocular lenses or like medical devices to removing flash, sharp edges and/or surface irregularities therefrom. The process includes gas and/or rotational tumbling of the intraocular lenses or like medical devices in a dry polishing media. The process is suitable for single piece and multipiece intraocular lenses of varying composition.

Abstract: A horizontal centrifugal finisher is disclosed for subjecting a product to centrifugal and rotational motion. The finisher includes a main frame which rotationally supports a central shaft about a horizontal longitudinal axis. At least two radial supports are mounted to and extend radially outward from the shaft. One or more containers are rotatably supported by the radial supports. Each container has two side walls, two end walls, a bottom and an open top. The walls and the bottom define an enclosure for containing products to be finished. A cover is attached to the container for closing off the open top. A drive system is incorporated into the finisher for rotating the containers. The drive system includes a primary drive system adapted to rotate the shaft about its horizontal axis, and a secondary drive system adapted to rotate the containers about their respective longitudinal axis.

Abstract: This invention concerns a machine for the drying, polishing and burnishing cutlery and other metal tableware. It consists of a tank suspended upon a base and moved by a vibrating device, having a treatment channel (15) designed to receive a drying material and the articles for treatment. The treatment channel (15) rises in a spiral from an entrance chute at the loading mouth to an exit passage or chute for the articles and has, in a transverse cross-section, a U-shaped bottom (22) defined by a substantially cylindrical concave surface and, lengthways, by a series of straight segments (23) which alternate with and are joined to curved segments (24), without sharp edges or corners. Ideally, the channel has a steeper gradient towards the exit.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for performing high speed processing of a workpiece. The apparatus includes an outer vessel having an inner surface and a central axis. At least one intermediate vessel is located within the outer vessel and has an outer surface which contacts the inner surface of the outer vessel. At least one inner vessel is positioned within the intermediate vessel and adapted to receive an object to be subjected to a manufacturing process. The inner vessel is located at a position within the intermediate vessel such that the central axis of the inner vessel is spaced apart from the central axis of the outer vessel. A drive system controls the rolling of the intermediate vessel along the inner surface of the outer vessel. The rolling of the intermediate vessel causes the inner vessel to rotate about its axis and the axis of the outer vessel.

Abstract: In a method for ultrafine grinding of solid particulate material to mean particle sizes far below 1 micrometer and/or for mixing of powder and agglomerate material with mean particle sizes in the range of nanometers, the material to be ground and/or mixed and an grinding/mixing additive are filled into a cooled grinding chamber containing loose grinding media. By motion of the grinding media relative to adjacent media and to the walls of the grinding chamber the material is ground to the desired particle size and/or is finely mixed. Subsequently the additive is removed from said material. For the production of particle sizes in the range of nanometers and/or for mixing particles of this size range, the method comprises that grinding and/or mixing is carried out in a cooled atmosphere in the presence of a fine grained solidified additive which is chemically inert to said material, preferably water ice or solid carbon dioxide, at temperatures below their melting or sublimation temperature.