Abstract: A roofing apparatus for deflecting precipitation comprises a first roofing panel movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The roofing apparatus further comprises an electrostatic charging device configured to selectively apply an electrostatic force to the first roofing panel to cause movement of the first roofing panel between the retracted position and the extended position. In another example, a method for deflecting precipitation comprises the steps of providing a first roofing panel biased by gravity and applying an electrostatic force to the first roofing panel to cause the first roofing panel to move between a retracted position and an extended position against the bias of gravity.

Abstract: A sizing and finishing machine includes a mechanism for rotating an associated workpiece and a first microfinishing belt for selectively contacting the associated workpiece. The belt has a maximum grit size of 60 microns. A structure is provided for rotatably holding the first microfinishing belt and a housing is provided on which the structure is mounted. A mechanism moves the first housing and hence the first microfinishing belt toward and away from the associated workpiece. The mechanism is timed to the rotation of the associated workpiece to maintain a substantially constant pressure of the first microfinishing belt on the associated workpiece. If desired, a second microfinishing belt mounted separately on a second housing can be provided with the two housings and their respective belts being separately controlled. The force exerted by the microfinishing belt on the associated workpiece is limited to a pressure of less than approximately 25 psi.