Abstract: An apparatus for sanding a work piece includes a motor, a motor housing, an essentially cylindrical sanding element assembly including a sanding element, a tubular sanding element assembly first support member extending from the motor housing to the sanding element assembly, and a drive train extending from the motor through the first support member to the sanding element assembly. The motor housing is preferably cylindrical and has a longitudinal axis, and the first support member extends essentially perpendicular to the housing longitudinal axis, and the cylindrical sanding element assembly also has a longitudinal axis which is essentially parallel to the housing longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A powered fairing machine having a pair of flexible arms formed in a cross configuration with an abrasive material on their lower surfaces is described. A power source with a rotary output drive is connected to the intersection of the arms to impart a circular motion to them.

Abstract: A rotary sanding apparatus, includes a circular support plate having a relatively deformable circular ring extending from its front face to form an annular container and reinforcement for a resilient deformable foam pad. The front face of the pad is essentially coplanar with the front edge face of the circular ring, so that an abrasive disk can lie flat against the pad front face, with its outer edge area secured to the circular ring. The circular ring acts as a confinement device for preventing the foam pad from being torn apart by pressure engagement of irregular surfaces against the abrasive disk material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polishing element for use in a system and apparatus and a method for finishing and polishing a dental composite restorative material in a tooth. The system of the invention uses an elastomeric polymer disc which is impregnated with an abrasive for reduction of the composite, and an element for polishing the composite as well as the dental materials. A method of using the above apparatus in a finishing/polishing system is also provided.

Abstract: A tool holder unit for a robot includes a pantograph linkage which is made up of a frame, a pair of parallel spaced links and a holder block. Each end of the parallel spaced links is connected to the holder block. The tool holder also includes a drive source which drives a tool and an offsetting member which offsets the gravitational force caused by the force of gravity on the tool. The tool moves relative to a workpiece when a force from the drive source moves the pantograph linkage. The pantograph linkage and offsetting member reduce the load on the drive source and move the tool quickly and smoothly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved cut-off machine wherein the length of an abrasive wheel in contact with a work is easily adjustable. The cut-off machine of the invention includes: a base with fixed and movable vises for clamping a work; a pair of joint members being supported by a pair of brackets projecting from the rear end of the base so as to pivotably move within a predetermined angle; an arm attached to the upper portion of the joint members; an abrasive wheel mounted on one end of the arm for cutting the work; a handle fixed to the arm for operating the arm; a motor attached to the arm for driving the abrasive wheel; and a compression spring spanned between the base and the arm. The upper mounting position of the compression spring on the arm is closer to the brackets, compared with the lower mounting position of the compression spring on the base. The reciprocating movement of the arm moves the abrasive wheel in the horizontal direction to the current optimal cutting position.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for polishing the end face of an optical fiber encapsulated within a ferrule portion of a fiber optic connector device which terminates the optical fiber. The end of the optical fiber projects from the ferrule portion. A mounting plate has a forward surface and a receptacle for mounting the connector device, with the end of the optical fiber projecting from the forward surface, to permit the end face to be polished by moving the mounting plate over an appropriate polishing surface. A polishing plate forms a substrate having a recess in a forward surface thereof. A polishing film is adhered to the substrate, spanning the recess, to define an air space beneath the film in the recess.