Abstract: The invention relates to abrasive flap discs which are used for a variety of finishing, grinding and polishing operations, particularly on welded fabrications. The present invention provides an abrasive flap disc (20) comprising a backing plate (11), an annular array of flaps (12) of abrasive material arranged on the backing plate (11) and bonded thereto along the lower most edge of each flap (12), wherein each flap (12), at least in a radially outer region is substantially spaced from each adjacent flap (12) such that the flaps (12) have freedom to flex and conform to an underlying surface in use.

Abstract: An abrading tool, abrasive star and abrading kit, in which the abrading kit includes the abrasive star and the abrading tool. The abrading tool includes a threaded drive rod, a means for retaining an abrasive material about the threaded drive rod, an expandable support disposed about the threaded drive rod and dimensioned to brace the abrasive material, and a means for expanding the expandable support to adjust the diameter of the outer surface of the abrasive material. The abrasive star is a sheet having an outer edge and an opening to allow it to be retained upon the drive rod. A plurality of gaps is provided through the sheet allowing it to be folded into a roughly conical shape having a continuous outer surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polishing tool with improved handling characteristics, which produces better working results. Said tool comprises a solid polishing body (1), substantially consisting of felt, said body having numerous subdivisions (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a honing method and apparatus which provides greater control over the edge shape, as well as reductions in the effort required to hone multiple edges on workpieces. The invention accomplishes these improvements by controlling the speed of the abrasive wheel, as well as the orientation and position of the workpiece prior to and/or while it is in contact with the abrasive brush. This provides for greater control over the hone shape, hone size, and hone distribution along all the cutting edges of the tool.

Abstract: This soldering iron cleaning apparatus comprises a main body having an introduction hole, a motor, a sensor mechanism which detects the insertion of the soldering head to the introduction hole and drives the motor, a cleaning member which removes solder remaining on the soldering head, a power transmission mechanism which drives the cleaning member by the driving force from the motor. The power transmission mechanism rotates the cleaning member, by the driving force of the motor, in such a way that the cleaning member scrapes the external surface of the soldering head from the base side to the tip side of the soldering head while turning the cleaning member around the soldering head.

Abstract: A flap wheel includes an aluminum hub with outwardly opening peripheral slots. Flap clips also made of aluminum each holding a bundle of flaps fit snugly in the slots. The slots and clips include an elongated socket and knob construction. The socket of the slot and knob of the clip both have an arched or rounded bottom and straight parallel side walls terminating in opposed retaining keys projecting inwardly from the side walls of the slot or corresponding key ways in the clip. The outer ends of the clips include a thin wall U-shape flap bundle retention slot having a flat but skew or slanting bottom wall. The slots extend uniformly in a non-radial direction angled away from the direction of rotation. The flat but skewed bottom of the clips also slants inwardly toward the direction of rotation to position the outer edges of the flaps in the same skewed slanting direction exposing or splaying an outer edge portion of each of the faces or flat surfaces of the flaps to the work as the wheel rotates.

Abstract: The scouring pad comprises a wad (10) of looped scouring wire. The wad is constituted by substantially concentric windings of the wire (12) such that it presents substantially the form of a toroidal ring. The pad has means for holding the windings together, said means comprising at least one binding strap (20) going around a section of the ring and disposed substantially on a meridian of the torus formed by the ring.

Abstract: Sanding wheels for the processing of the surfaces of items normally comprise sending strips (12) extending radially from a cylindrical core, and composing bracing elements in the form of in-line brushes which on the one side (the front) are provided with a sanding means (30). The in-line brushes are normally mounted in a profile rail (16) with a U-shaped l cavity together with the sanding means (30), and are typically secured by the use of a clamping rail or by fusible wire, whereby the sanding means and brush hair are moulded together in the U-shaped cavity. As a result of the anchoring of the sanding means in the profile rail (16) together with the brush hairs, the known sanding strips become inflexible.

Abstract: A flame-resistant buffing wheel and a method of making thereof. The buffing wheel is comprised of a buffing material which has been treated with an aqueous flame-retardant solution, and allowed to dry. The treatment may take place either before or after the buffing wheel is assembled.

Abstract: Currently dental laboratories use a lathe for the polishing of the dental crown. Such lathes use a polishing disc brush mounted on a rotating shaft and which generally cannot polish the deeper parts of the surface of the appliance without wearing down the surrounding anatomy. The present device provides a brush which uses an orbital motoin to thereby better preserve the anatomy of the crown.

Abstract: A brush element U includes an assembly of annular disks 2 joined together as arranged side by side. Each disk has polishing bristles or cleaning yarns 1 implanted in its outer periphery. The brush elements U are arranged side by side around a shaft 3. The brush element U is engageable with the shaft 3 by keyways 5 formed in both a peripheral surface of the shaft 3 and an inner peripheral surface of the brush element U and by sunk keys 4 fitted in the respective keyways 5. The sunk keys 4 have a length not larger than the length of the brush elements U, and each of the sunk keys 4 is expandable or contractable widthwise and tightly engageable in the keyway 5 when being expanded. The sunk key 4 is disengageable therefrom when being contracted. The sunk key 4 is prevented from slipping out of the keyway 5 by a retainer C when being contracted and fitted in the keyway 5. The brush roll and brush elements thereof are useful for grinding, polishing cleaning or otherwise treating steel sheets, plates, or strips.

Abstract: An integrally molded brush. A preferred embodiment of the integrally molded brush includes a) a generally planar hub having an outer periphery, where the hub has a thickness of at least 0.05 inches; and b) a plurality of bristles extending from the outer periphery of the hub, where each of the bristles includes a bristle tip opposite the hub, where the bristle tip has a thickness up to 0.03 inches, and where the molded brush comprises a thermoplastic polymeric material. The present invention also provides a method of molding an integrally molded brush. A preferred embodiment of the method includes the steps of: a) heating a thermoplastic polymer to allow the thermoplastic polymer to be injected into a mold; b) injecting the thermoplastic polymer into a mold, wherein the mold includes a hub section and a plurality of bristle sections in fluid communication with the hub section, where the bristle tip section has a thickness up to 0.

Abstract: A flap wheel includes an aluminum hub with outwardly opening peripheral slots. Flap clips also made of aluminum each holding a bundle of flaps fit snugly in the slots. The slots and clips include an elongated socket and knob construction. The socket of the slot and knob of the clip both have an arched or rounded bottom and straight parallel side walls terminating in opposed retaining keys projecting inwardly from the side walls of the slot or corresponding key ways in the clip. The outer ends of the clips include a thin wall U-shape flap bundle retention slot having a flat but skew or slanting bottom wall. The slots extend uniformly in a non-radial direction angled away from the direction of rotation. The flat but skewed bottom of the clips also slants inwardly toward the direction of rotation to position the outer edges of the flaps in the same skewed slanting direction exposing or splaying an outer edge portion of each of the faces or flat surfaces of the flaps to the work as the wheel rotates.

Abstract: A grinding wheel has a base ring, a positioning disk disposed on the base ring, a grinding cloth assembly disposed on the positioning disk, and an upper ring disposed on the grinding cloth assembly. The positioning disk has an upper annular flange and a circular hole. The upper ring has a round hole. The grinding cloth assembly has a first grinding cloth disk, a second grinding cloth disk, and a third grinding cloth disk adhered together. The upper annular flange passes through the first grinding cloth disk, the second grinding cloth disk, and the third grinding cloth disk to be inserted in the round hole of the upper ring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unitary brush (such as a cup brush, for example) which has abrasive particles secured to at least some of its bristles via a first coating. The unitary brush is made by providing a unitary brush, coating at least a portion of the surfaces of the bristles with a first coating, adhering abrasive particles to at least some of the coated bristles and curing the first coating.

Abstract: A finishing star or spinner abrasive tool is formed of inner and outer packs of square sheets of abrasive cloth or sandpaper with the inner packs angularly offset from the outer packs on the mandrel axis. Each sheet is formed with discontinuous radial slits extending beyond an unslit center section around a center fastener forming the mandrel drive hole. The slits provide surface flexibility while maintaining sheet integrity as it wears to circular form. An optional backing core is provided in the middle of the tool in the form of a cloth-sisal quilt acting as a cushion backing for the sheets, and which may retain coolant or compound during operation. The tool has longer working life with improved flexibility and working characteristics.

Abstract: Surface treating articles and methods for the manufacture of such articles are provided. The articles of the invention comprise a rotatable core; a plurality of surface treating segments, the segments having first ends adjacent the core and second ends opposite the first ends; and a cured, expanded adhesive composition bonding the surface treating segment to the core, the adhesive composition comprising (a) an organic epoxide compound having an epoxide functionality of at least 1, (b) an epoxide hardener, (c) a film-forming material, and (d) a foaming agent; wherein the expanded adhesive provides a substantially continuous bond area extending from the core into and around the first end of the segments.

Abstract: A sanding brush assembly, includes a metallic base body formed with a plurality of grooves in spaced-apart disposition about its circumference or formed on its end face. Detachably received in form-fitting or force-fitting engagement in each of the grooves is a clamping element which supports a strip brush carrying an array of bristles. Disposed between successive strip brushes and supported by the strip brushes are respective sanding segments, whereby each sanding segment is mounted together with the associated clamping element of the strip brush by a flexible footing in the pertaining groove.

Abstract: Method of automatic finishing of a free-form contoured metal or hard die surface, comprising: providing a rotating brush with a central hub carried by a driving spindle for rotation about the hub axis; providing the brush hub with a plurality of closely spaced resilient and independently flexible strands possessing abrasive polishing particles, each strand being secured at one end in the hub and having its other end extending radially away therefrom to present an apparent curved surface of closely spaced strand ends (the series of touching or closely spaced strand ends forming at least a portion of a spherical surface); and rotatingly driving the hub and strands at a constant torque while dragging the ends of said strands across the die surface while in contact therewith to effect the desired degree of polishing. The coating of abrasive polishing particles can be selected from the group of aluminum oxide, silicon oxide or silicon carbide.

Abstract: A repair kit and method facilitate a quick and durarble paint repair on any color vehicle or other painted item. The kit includes a fine abrasive surface preparation tool, an applicator, and a universal touch-up paint. A second embodiment adds a small flexible rubber sanding block, a plurality of pre-cut ultrafine sanding papers, and an ultrafine polish having an abrasive selected to remove sandpaper scratches and restore the gloss to sanded paint. These elements combine to produce a smooth unbroken surface finish in a repaired area when used for paint repairs with a matching color touch-up paint. One embodiment of the fine abrasive surface preparation tool is a reusable, retractable brush to hold fiberglass bristle cartridges and provides room for a warning label and storage for a spare cartridge. A second embodiment is a low cost fiberglass brush which is disposable and has a cap cover the bristles when not in use and during shipping.

Abstract: A flap disc for surface finishing a V-shaped work piece. The disc includes a backing plate and a plurality of abrasive flaps that are mounted on first and second sides of the backing plate. The abrasive flaps are radially disposed on the backing plate, each abrasive flap having an outer surface and an inner surface. A portion of the inner surface is adhesively attached to the backing plate. A second portion of the inner surface is disposed on the outer surface of an adjacent abrasive flap in an overlapping fashion so as to position the outer surface of the abrasive flap at an angle to the backing plate. The outer surfaces of the abrasive flaps on the first and second sides of the backing plate face in the same circumferential direction and taper radially toward one another to define a substantially V-shaped finishing surface.

Abstract: Surface treating articles and methods for the manufacture of such articles are provided. The articles of the invention comprise a rotatable core; a plurality of surface treating segments, the segments having first ends adjacent the core and second ends opposite the first ends; and a cured, expanded adhesive composition bonding the surface treating segment to the core, the adhesive composition comprising (a) an organic epoxide compound having an epoxide functionality of at least 1, (b) an epoxide hardener, (c) a film-forming material, and (d) a foaming agent; wherein the expanded adhesive provides a substantially continuous bond area extending from the core into and around the first end of the segments.

Abstract: A rotary bristle tool having a backing with a plurality of bristles extending therefrom. The bristles have a cross section and preferential orientation to control deflection during rotation of the tool. One embodiment is well suited for refining the inside surface of two-way and three-way corners. The backing and bristles are preferably integrally molded. The rotary bristle tool is molded from a moldable polymer such a thermoset polymer, thermoplastic polymer, or thermoplastic elastomer. The rotary bristle tool can include an attachment member molded integrally with the backing. Also disclosed is a method of making a rotary bristle tool and a method of refining a workpiece surface with a rotary bristle tool.

Abstract: A molded brush segment having a plurality of integrally molded bristles extending from a generally planar center portion. The brush segment is molded from a moldable polymer such a thermoset polymer, thermoplastic polymer, or thermoplastic elastomer. The moldable polymer preferably includes a plurality of organic or inorganic abrasive particles interspersed throughout at least the bristles, and can be interspersed throughout the brush segment. The molded brush segments can be generally circular, with the bristles extending radially outward in the plane defined by the central portion. A plurality of brush segments can be combined to form a brush assembly. Also disclosed is a method of making a molded abrasive brush and a method of refining a workpiece surface with a molded abrasive brush.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a support member on an abrasive wheel has (a) an annular surface which fixedly supports (as by epoxy) a plurality of flaps in a partially overlapping relationship between successive flaps and (b) a central hole for receiving a mandrel which rotates the wheel. Each flap has on one of its surfaces abrasive particles facing outwardly from the annular surface. Each flap defines an acute angle with the annular surface and preferably extends at its opposite axial ends beyond the axial positions of support by such support surface to obtain a fixed positioning of the flaps relative to the support surface even at the axial positions beyond the axial ends of such annular surface. In a second embodiment, the flaps are disposed on the annular support surface in a tighter relationship than in the first embodiment so that each flap contacts adjacent flaps along a portion of its length.

Abstract: A spiral pattern abrading tool applies a cross hatch pattern to a flat surface in a single pass rather than two passes as has been used in the past. The abrading tool comprising an abrading holder having a plurality of abrasion members flexibly mounted from pre-determined points on the holder. The points being arranged in a pattern with a series of arcs extending out from the center of the holder, the points spaced apart at pre-determined distances along the arcs such that rotation of the holder in either direction provides a spiral pattern of abrasion members. To apply the cross hatch pattern, the flat surface is rotated and the abrading tool rotated so that a spiral pattern is applied to the flat surface.

Abstract: A repair kit and method facilitate a quick and durable paint repair on any color vehicle or other painted item. The kit includes a fine abrasive surface preparation tool, an applicator, and a universal touch-up paint. A second embodiment adds a small flexible rubber sanding block, a plurality of pre-cut ultrafine sanding papers, and an ultrafine polish having an abrasive selected to remove sandpaper scratches and restore the gloss to sanded paint. These elements combine to produce a smooth unbroken surface finish in a repaired area when used for paint repairs with a matching color touch-up paint. One embodiment of the fine abrasive surface preparation tool is a reusable, retractable brush to hold fiberglass bristle cartridges and provides room for a warning label and storage for a spare cartridge. A second embodiment is a low cost fiberglass brush which is disposable and has a cap to cover the bristles when not in use and during shipping.

Abstract: A surface preparation tool for peening and removing a coating from a work surface, the tool including a rotating hub which retains a plurality of peening flaps with peening particles attached at one end. The peening particles impact the work surface as the hub rotates and cause the coating to fragment and dislodge from the work surface. The tool includes a shroud assembly with a funnel-shaped evacuation port attached thereto. The shroud is positioned above the work surface such that a gap is formed which permits air to enter into the shroud. A sealing structure is affixed to the rear wall of the shroud to block air flow into the shroud below the funnel. When a vacuum is applied to the funnel, the narrow gap formed between the shroud and the work surface accelerates ambient air flow into the shroud while preventing dislodged particles from escaping. The rear wall seal prevents air from flowing into the shroud below the funnel which would oppose the direction of flow from the other three sides into the funnel.

Abstract: An abrasive wheel is partially defined by a support member and by a plurality of abrasive flaps on such member. A hole is disposed centrally in the support member to receive a mandrel for rotating the wheel. The support member has at its radial periphery an annular surface with a constant radius at progressive positions in the annular direction. The flaps are fixedly supported (as by epoxy) on the annular surface in a partially overlapping relationship between successive pairs of flaps. Each of the flaps has abrasive particles on one of its surfaces. Each of the flaps is disposed on the annular surface of the support member with the abrasive particles facing outwardly from such support surface. Each of the flaps defines an acute angle with the annular surface and extends at its opposite axial ends beyond the axial positions of support by such support surface.

Abstract: An improved honing tool including a holder having an open sided cavity located in one side thereof, a sidewall portion extending around at least a portion of the cavity, and one or more elongated filaments of a polymeric material having particles of an abrasive substance dispersed throughout, each of the one or more filaments having an end extending into the cavity, the one or more filament ends being heated sufficiently so as to be softened or melted to conform to the shape of the cavity and intimately engage the sidewall for retaining the one or more filament ends in the cavity. The method for manufacturing the present honing tool includes the steps of applying energy to the holder to heat the holder to a temperature sufficient to soften or melt the one or more filament ends while pressing the filament ends into the cavity so as to conform them to the shape thereof, the holder being preferably heated by induction.

Abstract: An abrasive flap brush including a central core, a layer of adhesive disposed on the peripheral surface of the core by a coater, and a plurality of abrasive flaps adhered to the core by the adhesive. The adhesive is uniformly distributed around the core by providing either the core or the adhesive coater with spacing projections that maintain a predetermined minimum distance between the coater and the core when the adhesive is applied. A coater including the spacing projections is also disclosed, as is a method for making an abrasive flap brush.

Abstract: A laminated abrasive wheel comprises a central carrying member having two holding flanges between which abrasive laminae assembled to form stacks of abrasive laminae are arranged. On the holding flanges there are fastened respectively alternating studs which are pushed between the stacks of abrasive laminae and which serve to hold them under friction. At the same time, the holding flanges are also connected to the stacks of abrasive laminae to form a unit.

Abstract: An easy-to-use adapter assembly having a minimum number of component parts that will permit sanding flapper wheels of various sizes to be conveniently used in the field with portable hand held electric grinders of conventional design. The assembly is preferably sold as a set that includes connectors of various lengths that can accommodate drive shafts of different sizes so that the assemblage can be conveniently used in connection with flapper wheels of various thickness having spindle receiving apertures of various sizes.

Abstract: A shield for a rotary stripper tool, the shield comprising a hollow, semi-circular housing open along one edge and having a volume to rotatably receive a rotary stripper tool which is freely rotatable therein so that, at any one time during rotation of the stripper tool, substantially one half of the stripper tool is covered by the shield. An elongated handle ember is fixed to the shield and extends substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the shield to engage a power tool on which the rotary stripper tool is mounted. The handle provides a means whereby the shield may be held in a fixed position relative to the rotary stripper tool and the power tool while allowing the user to hold the power tool in both hands for better control.

Abstract: A radial brush having a plurality of discrete brush segments mechanically affixed to or mechanically affixed to and bonded to a central core. Each brush segment is a preformed discrete component having a predetermined degree of splay. The brush segments are affixed to the core for rotation about an axis of rotation, so that splay of the individual fibers lies in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation and splay in the axial direction may be precluded.

Abstract: A method of polishing or grinding metal strips moving longitudinally thereof, the method comprising brushing or polishing the metal strip using a brush roll which is rotatable and is held, during rotation, in contact with the strip surface pressed by the brush roll while supplying a mixture of a grinding fluid or water with abrasive grains to a portion of strip surface to be brushed or polished, the brush roll having a plurality of abrasive members each comprising a plurality of rod-shaped elastic supports and a plurality of abrasive tips, the abrasive tips being formed from a mixture of abrasive grains and a resin and attached to the forward ends of the supports, and the plurality of abrasive members being mounted in clusters on a roll shaft, wherein the strip surface is brushed by the brush roll under a pressure of at least 1 kg/cm.sup.

Abstract: An abrasive flap brush including a central core, a layer of adhesive disposed on the peripheral surface of the core by a coater, and a plurality of abrasive flaps adhered to the core by the adhesive. The adhesive is uniformly distributed around the core by providing either the core or the adhesive coater with spacing projections that maintain a predetermined minimum distance between the coater and the core when the adhesive is applied. A coater including the spacing projections is also disclosed, as is a method for making an abrasive flap brush.

Abstract: An elongated narrow and rather thin honing tool is made from a somewhat soft metal or plastic cup holder. A tightly packed bundle of abrasive containing plastic monofilaments is inserted to the bottom of the cup holder and the cup rim is swaged inwardly to girdle and grip the bundle holding the bundle in the cup holder. The projecting tightly packed tips of the monofilaments form the working face of the honing tool. The preferred plastic for the monofilaments is nylon and the preferred transverse sectional shape of such monofilaments is rectangular, although other plastics and shapes may be used. Several methods for forming the tool are disclosed which include an insertion step followed by a swaging step. The bottom of the cup may be slightly arcuate to impart a curved working face to the bundle. The bundle may be cut or trimmed before or after insertion.

Abstract: A plastic strap or tape having granular abrasive embedded homogeneously throughout is cut, shaped and formed into a variety of abrasive finishing tools. The plastic working element is preferably rather stiff 6/12 nylon and contains about 30 to 45% by weight of abrasive material. The strap or tape is formed by extrusion of such non-elastomeric plastic through a ceramic die opening and as extruded has an indefinite length in the machine direction, a controlled uniform thickness, and a width which is approximately 5 to 50 times or more the thickness. A preferred width to thickness ratio is about 30:1, or about 3 cm to 1 mm. The strap or tape may be cut to the desired length and partially embossed, serrated or scored either lengthwise or transversely to provide fracture or flex lines. The spacing of the serrations or score lines control the degree of flexibility or aggressiveness of the tool working face.

Abstract: A twisted stem helical internal abrading and finishing tool is formed from abrasive containing plastic strips having transverse offset slits along the lateral edges and a longitudinal middle unslit portion. The strips may be stacked with the longitudinal middle unslit portions aligned with the longitudinal axis of a cotter pin, one end of the stack being placed in the bight of the cotter pin. The cotter pin is twisted about its longitudinal axis to form a helical twisted stem from which the slit lateral side or edges extend forming rectangular abrasive fingers uniformly helically arranged. The end of the cotter pin opposite the bight may be inserted into the chuck of a drilling or turning machine to hold and rotate the tool about the axis of the stem.

Abstract: A replaceable cloth assembly is provided having a longitudinally extending plastic welt having a pair of spaced apart flaps for receiving a sheet of car wash fabric therebetween. A series of longitudinally extending fasteners project through the welt flaps and the fabric sheets sandwiched therebetween to securely retain the fabric to the weld. The welt head is sized to be longitudinally inserted in an elongated internal channel formed in the exterior of a support member with the neck portion extending through a narrow slot to position the flaps with the fabric sheet attached thereto outboard of the longitudinal cavity.

Abstract: A brush assembly adapted to be rotated about an axis has a brush having a flexible, annular and generally cylindrical collar generally centered on the axis and having a predetermined and generally uniform radial thickness, a predetermined inside diameter, and a predetermined axial length, and a plurality of arrays of radially projecting bristles angularly equispaced about the collar and defining a plurality of axially throughgoing and angularly equispaced bristle-free zones.