Abstract: The present disclosure includes a belt-and-pulley system for a part processing assembly. The part is retained on a spindle assembly of the belt-and-pulley system, and rotation of the spindle assembly is driven by a drive belt of the belt-and-pulley system that travels along a belt path. The belt-and-pulley system includes one or more idler assemblies that permit continuous rotation of the drive belt regardless of whether a part is being processed. As a part is processed, processing material, such as peening material, may be introduced near the belt-and-pulley system and may unintentionally interfere with operation of the belt-and-pulley system. The idler assembly of the belt-and-pulley system includes a vane sweep that is configured to block or prevent introduction of the processing material into the rotational operation of a circular pulley of the idler assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a shaft and spindle assembly for retaining a part in a part processing assembly. The part is retained on the shaft via a downward force from a part hold-down assembly. The shaft is retained in the spindle assembly that is coupled to a turntable of the part processing assembly. The shaft includes an annular step that abuts against a portion of the spindle assembly to block downward movement of the shaft when the downward force is applied. In this way, the part is retained in a precise location relative to processing nozzles of the part processing assembly even after multiple parts are held down by the part hold-down assembly and processed.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a part hold-down assembly for retaining a part. The part hold-down assembly includes an upper collar, a lower collar and a resiliant biasing member, in one embodiment in the form of a coil spring, retained between the upper and lower collar. The upper collar has a first end, the first end having an annular ledge. The lower collar has a second end, the second end having an annular ledge. The resiliant biasing member includes a first end and a second end, the first coil end configured to engage with the annular ledge of the upper collar and the second coil end configure to engage with the second annular ledge of the lower collar.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for processing a metallic gear comprising providing a gear, directing a first peening media at the metallic gear thereby exposing a plurality of surfaces on the metallic gear to the first peening media whereby the strength and wear properties of the teeth roots of the gear are enhanced, directing a second peening media at the metallic gear thereby exposing a plurality of surfaces on the metallic gear to the second peening media whereby the KSI of the surface of the gear is enhanced, providing a container, placing a fine finishing medium in the container, placing the gear with the fine finishing medium in the container, coupling vibrations to the container to vibrate the fine finishing medium with the wetted gear, removing the gear from the container, washing the gear and rinsing the gear with rust inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for processing a metallic gear comprising providing a gear, directing a first peening media at the metallic gear thereby exposing a plurality of surfaces on the metallic gear to the first peening media whereby the strength and wear properties of the teeth roots of the gear are enhanced, directing a second peening media at the metallic gear thereby exposing a plurality of surfaces on the metallic gear to the second peening media whereby the KSI of the surface of the gear is enhanced, providing a container, placing a fine finishing medium in the container, placing the gear with the fine finishing medium in the container, coupling vibrations to the container to vibrate the fine finishing medium with the wetted gear, removing the gear from the container, washing the gear and rinsing the gear with rust inhibitor.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for media blasting a workpiece 20 is described. The media blasting apparatus 10 of the present invention includes a media reclaim and recycle system 35, which reduces media wastage, advantageously improves peening of a workpiece 20 and provides better coverage of the workpiece surface. The media blasting apparatus 10 also includes a pressure chamber 90 for creating a media blast stream, a media metering valve 105 for controlling media flow rate and a powered part hold-down apparatus 130 for holding the workpiece 20 in a predetermined position during a blasting operation. The controlled media flow rate in combination with the powered hold down of the workpiece 20 ensures even and thorough peening of a workpiece surface.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for media blasting a workpiece 20 is described. The media blasting apparatus 10 of the present invention includes a media reclaim and recycle system 35, which reduces media wastage, advantageously improves peening of a workpiece 20 and provides better coverage of the workpiece surface. The media blasting apparatus 10 also includes a pressure chamber 90 for creating a media blast stream, a media metering valve 105 for controlling media flow rate and a powered part hold-down apparatus 130 for holding the workpiece 20 in a predetermined position during a blasting operation. The controlled media flow rate in combination with the powered hold down of the workpiece 20 ensures even and thorough peening of a workpiece surface.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for media blasting a workpiece 20 is described. The media blasting apparatus 10 of the present invention includes a media reclaim and recycle system 35 , which reduces media wastage, advantageously improves peening of a workpiece 20 and provides better coverage of the workpiece surface. The media blasting apparatus 10 also includes a pressure chamber 90 for creating a media blast stream, a media metering valve 105 for controlling media flow rate and a powered part hold-down apparatus 130 for holding the workpiece 20 in a predetermined position during a blasting operation. The controlled media flow rate in combination with the powered hold down of the workpiece 20 ensures even and thorough peening of a workpiece surface.

Abstract: An automatic machine for processing parts comprises at least two part hold down apparatuses, each for releasably holding one of the parts in a predetermined position during processing. The apparatuses are shiftable between an open position for accepting the parts and a closed position for holding the parts for processing. A pneumatic cylinder is operatively conjunctively associated with the apparatuses for providing a conjunctively variable compensating cushioned clamping of the parts for maintaining the parts in the predetermined position during processing. A spring is operatively independently associated with each of the apparatuses for providing an independent variable compensating cushioned clamping of the parts for maintaining the parts in the predetermined position during processing.

Abstract: A stenciling apparatus for stenciling a predetermined pattern on a workpiece by directing stenciling material involved with forced air against the workpiece comprises a stenciling chamber and a suction device. The suction device is operatively connected to the stenciling chamber by means of a pipe for providing suction to the stenciling chamber. The stenciling chamber includes a housing and a stenciling box shiftably mounted within the housing. The stenciling box is shiftable between a first position for operatively engaging the workpiece for stenciling, and a second position for allowing movement of the workpiece into and out of the stenciling chamber.

Abstract: A nozzle for sandblasting or shot peening a workpiece comprises a base and a finger, The finger having diameter small enough to allow it to be inserted into an aperture in the workpiece. The finger has a lateral opening therein to allow peening fluid to exit and impinge an interior wall of the aperture. The base has a bypass orifice therein which allows excess shot to exit the nozzle so that the nozzle will not clog with shot. A method for using the nozzle is contemplated wherein the nozzle is reciprocated and rotated within the aperture so as to subject the entire interior wall to the peening process.

Abstract: A cleaning and treating apparatus which employs a series of nozzles or guns for propelling abrasives into interior and exterior exposed surfaces of components. The forces required to propel the abrasive materials are provided by fluid pressure supply sources which can be adjusted separately to deliver a wide range of high and low pressures to each individual nozzle outlet. Having available these variably selectable fluid pressure sources at each individual nozzle, combined with means for directing each nozzle relative to the machined component being cleaned or treated, enables this apparatus to perform its intended function without distorting the surfaces upon which the work is being performed. Furthermore, it allows an operator of the unique apparatus to correct any existing surface disconfigurations or otherwise control the shape of the component as desired.

Abstract: A novel abrasives distributor is disclosed. The distributor comprises a movable assembly, and at least one gun. The assembly preferably includes an elongated, hollow shaft having an inlet, and a hollow manifold which is in communication with the hollow shaft and which is carried at one end thereof. The assembly further preferably includes a receptacle which surrounds the shaft and which is preferably carried by the manifold. The manifold includes at least one manifold outlet. A transport fluid, such as air, is introduceable into the shaft inlet, is passable through the shaft and manifold, and is exitable from the manifold via the manifold outlet. The gun is preferably independently carried by an arm which, in turn, is carried by the depends from the assembly. The assembly is movable relative to a workpiece. The receptacle includes at least one receptacle outlet. Abrasives, from an abrasive source, are introduceable into the receptacle and are exitable from the receptacle via the receptacle outlet.