Abstract: An attaching device for attaching a tool to a tool manipulating arm is disclosed having a first attachment member affixed to the tool manipulating arm which is adapted to engage a second attachment member affixed to the tool. The first attachment member includes a locking device which is engageable with a cam surface formed on the second attachment member such that the engagement urges a seating surface defined on the first attachment member and a mounting surface defined on the second attachment member into sealing contact with each other. The seal effected by the contact of these surfaces hermetically seals the locking device such that it is not susceptible to contamination by the dust, water, sand, chips, oil, etc. which may be present in the working environment in which the robot is located.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for finishing the surface of a work article is disclosed wherein the article is transferred to a polishing head of a polishing machine by a multi-joint industrial robot. The polishing head may extend or retract in the direction of movement of the work article toward the polishing machine such that the force exerted on the work article by the polishing head may be kept generally constant throughout the polishing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for abrading a curved surface includes a rotary wheel provided with a plurality of pins and a corresponding number of flexible members, wherein an endless sandpaper band is slidably wound about each pair of corresponding pins and flexible members. As the wheel rotates, the sandpaper bands abrade the workpiece in such a manner that each sandpaper band slides about its supporting pin and flexible member, thus presenting an ever-changing abrading surface to the workpiece. In a second embodiment, a plurality of rotary shafts are substituted for the pins, and driven through the same driving source as drives the rotary wheel so that a positive rotation is provided the sandpaper bands during the abrading process.

Abstract: A machining apparatus for machining a work piece wherein the work piece is held above the work stations of the machine tool base so that chips will fall downwardly during machining operations. The tools are successfully indexed to the work station so that chip removal need be accomplished only at a single place and to make the arrangement more compact.

Abstract: A disc-shaped rotary file, having a relatively flat operating surface with a curved outer periphery, is formed of ferromagnetic material and includes a plurality of cutting members. The rotary file also includes a second side opposite the operating surface and a number of stop members protruding therefrom. A complementary support member having a relatively flat surface and curved outer periphery is adapted to receive the rotary file superimposed thereon and includes one or more magnets to hold the rotary file in place. The support member also defines one or more depressions or slots for receiving the protruding stop members for preventing the rotation of the rotary file with respect to the support member and for rotation of the file when the support member is rotated.