Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for depowdering a workpiece printed from a laser powder bed fusion process, having: a base; a turntable that rotates relative to the base, the turntable configured to receive the workpiece; and in operation, when the turntable is rotating, rotational forces applied to the workpiece depowder the workpiece.

Abstract: A high speed polishing device useful for polishing a large number of miniature components, such as multi-layer electronic components, is disclosed. In various embodiments of the present invention, a vertical planetary ball mill or other barrel polishing device is modified to rotate polishing containers having a modified interior cavity structure. This interior cavity provides a smooth, gradually curved interior sidewall that improves circulation within the container during high-speed vertical polishing rotation. The improved circulation results in polishing for a larger number of components placed within the container and in less time than existing polishing container structures. In further embodiments, the containers are rotated around a generally tilted axis positioned at an angle between entirely vertical and horizontal positions. Rotation about a tilted axis further reduces collisions and increases relative polishing movement within the container.

Abstract: A centrifugal barrel polishing machine includes a barrel which is configured to perform planetary rotation and into which workpieces and ceramic polishing media are put, thereby polishing the workpieces by the polishing media. A relative centrifugal acceleration F during the planetary rotation of the barrel is set in a range of 2.1(n/N)+29.5?F?6.1(n/N)+40.7 where N designates a revolution speed of the barrel, n designates a rotation speed of the barrel, R designates a radius of an orbital path drawn by a rotation center of the barrel, n/N designates a rotation/revolution ratio of the barrel, and F=4?2N2R/g designates a relative centrifugal acceleration which is a ratio of a centrifugal acceleration on the orbital path during the planetary rotation of the barrel to gravity acceleration g.

Abstract: A high speed polishing device useful for polishing a large number of miniature components, such as multi-layer electronic components, is disclosed. In various embodiments of the present invention, a vertical planetary ball mill or other barrel polishing device is modified to rotate polishing containers having a modified interior cavity structure. This interior cavity provides a smooth, gradually curved interior sidewall that improves circulation within the container during high-speed vertical polishing rotation. The improved circulation results in polishing for a larger number of components placed within the container and in less time than existing polishing container structures. In further embodiments, the containers are rotated around a generally tilted axis positioned at an angle between entirely vertical and horizontal positions. Rotation about a tilted axis further reduces collisions and increases relative polishing movement within the container.

Abstract: Provided is a centrifugal barrel polishing machine capable of maintaining or improving polishing efficiency while increasing polishing amount. The centrifugal barrel polishing machine (10) includes a barrel (12) which is configured to perform planetary rotation and into which workpieces and polishing media are put, thereby polishing the workpieces by the polishing media. A relative centrifugal acceleration F during the planetary rotation of the barrel (12) is set in a range of ?2.5(n/N)+12.6?F?6.1(n/N)+40.7 where N designates a revolution speed of the barrel (12), n designates a rotation speed of the barrel (12), R designates a radius of an orbital path (15) drawn by a rotation center of the barrel (12), n/N designates a rotation/revolution ratio of the barrel (12), and F=4?2N2R/g designates a relative centrifugal acceleration which is a ratio of a centrifugal acceleration on the orbital path (15) during the planetary rotation of the barrel (12) to gravity acceleration g.

Abstract: A method useful for polishing a large number of miniature components such as multi-layer electronic components, within a high speed barrel polishing device, is disclosed. In various embodiments of the present invention, a vertical planetary ball mill or other barrel polishing device is modified to rotate polishing containers having a modified interior cavity structure. This interior cavity provides a smooth, gradually curved interior sidewall that improves circulation within the container during high-speed vertical polishing rotation. The improved circulation results in polishing for a larger number of components placed within the container and in less time than existing polishing container structures. In further embodiments, the containers are rotated around a generally tilted axis positioned at an angle between entirely vertical and horizontal positions. Rotation about a tilted axis further reduces collisions and increases relative polishing movement within the container.

Abstract: A method of superfinishing a large hollow wheel gear in a vibratory bowl having a center hub comprises at least partially filling the vibratory bowl with an amount of finishing media, laying the gear horizontally into the bowl over the center hub, supplying a quantity of an active chemistry into the bowl and agitating the vibratory bowl at a frequency such that the gear settles into and is fully supported by the media. By controlling the process parameters, the hollow wheel gear may be caused to rotate in the media and can be made to float at a desired level. The method is particularly suitable for hollow wheel gears for large wind turbines.

Abstract: A high speed polishing device useful for polishing a large number of miniature components, such as multi-layer electronic components, is disclosed. In various embodiments of the present invention, a vertical planetary ball mill or other barrel polishing device is modified to rotate polishing containers having a modified interior cavity structure. This interior cavity provides a smooth, gradually curved interior sidewall that improves circulation within the container during high-speed vertical polishing rotation. The improved circulation results in polishing for a larger number of components placed within the container and in less time than existing polishing container structures. In further embodiments, the containers are rotated around a generally tilted axis positioned at an angle between entirely vertical and horizontal positions. Rotation about a tilted axis further reduces collisions and increases relative polishing movement within the container.

Abstract: A rotational processor comprises an outer vessel and a plurality of inner vessels having an outer traction surface adapted for rolling contact with an inner surface of the outer vessel. A plurality of drive rollers drive the inner vessels about a center line of the outer vessel in rolling contact with the outer vessel. Each of the drive rollers contacts each of a pair of adjacently located inner vessels when the inner vessels are not being driven about the outer vessel. The outer traction surfaces compress in response to centrifugal forces applied by the rolling contact with the outer vessel such that each of the drive rollers separates from one of the adjacently located pair of the inner vessels.

Abstract: The invention provides a grinding machine for grinding grinding material by means of grinding bodies or wheels, having at least one grinding unit and two parts rotatable relative thereto, which has a container for receiving grinding material and a rotary disk placed above a container base, accompanied by the formation of a finite gap.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vibrating abrasive cleaning apparatus and method which is powered by at least one electric motor specially fabricated to the cleaning container assembly mounted on a rigid square tubing frame on one side by compression springs, on the opposite side by tension springs. The compression springs and tension springs have a different spring rate which produces better rolling of the media and therefore, faster circulation and cleaning. The specially fabricated electric motor attached to the cleaning container provides for enhanced oscillation and much greater cleaning capabilities thereby reducing the cleaning time. The entire vibrating assembly sits on a base and has a lid operated by a cable and counterweight for ease in loading the container for oscillation of the parts.

Abstract: A centrifugal barrel finishing apparatus centrifugally polishing, grinding or otherwise finishing workpieces includes a revolving member mounted on a first rotatable shaft so as to be rotated with the first shaft, a barrel mounted to be rotated about a second shaft, the barrel having both axial ends, a stopper mounted on the second shaft so as to be abutted against one axial end side of the barrel, and a fluid pressure cylinder including a piston and mounted on the second shaft so that the piston pushes the other axial end side of the barrel so that the barrel is held between the stopper and the cylinder.

Abstract: A horizontal centrifugal finisher is disclosed for subjecting a product to centrifugal and rotational motion. The finisher includes a main frame which rotationally supports a central shaft about a horizontal longitudinal axis. At least two radial supports are mounted to and extend radially outward from the shaft. One or more containers are rotatably supported by the radial supports. Each container has two side walls, two end walls, a bottom and an open top. The walls and the bottom define an enclosure for containing products to be finished. A cover is attached to the container for closing off the open top. A drive system is incorporated into the finisher for rotating the containers. The drive system includes a primary drive system adapted to rotate the shaft about its horizontal axis, and a secondary drive system adapted to rotate the containers about their respective longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device for grinding or polishing workpieces by means of an abrasive, having a container and a rotary disk located therein and rotatable relative thereto, in which the rotary disk is made from elastic material, is provided with an upwardly directed rim and said rim has a finite spacing from the adjacent inner wall of the container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a centrifugal barrel finishing machine. The present invention is contemplated to provide the centrifugal barrel finishing machine, which has means for driving each barrel separately from a turret so as to correct a pose of a barrel to be horizontal and thus perform inserting and discharging of work parts effectively, and simultaneously has means for opening and closing a lid of the barrel by a power driven manner using a cylinder or a sliding manner so as to increase convenience and safety with regard to opening and closing of the barrel.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for performing high speed processing of a workpiece. The apparatus includes an outer vessel having an inner surface and a central axis. At least one intermediate vessel is located within the outer vessel and has an outer surface which contacts the inner surface of the outer vessel. At least one inner vessel is positioned within the intermediate vessel and adapted to receive an object to be subjected to a manufacturing process. The inner vessel is located at a position within the intermediate vessel such that the central axis of the inner vessel is spaced apart from the central axis of the outer vessel. A drive system controls the rolling of the intermediate vessel along the inner surface of the outer vessel. The rolling of the intermediate vessel causes the inner vessel to rotate about its axis and the axis of the outer vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for performing high speed processing of a workpiece. The apparatus includes an outer vessel having an inner surface and a central axis. At least one intermediate vessel is located within the outer vessel and has an outer surface which contacts the inner surface of the outer vessel. At least one inner vessel is positioned within the intermediate vessel and adapted to receive an object to be subjected to a manufacturing process. The inner vessel is located at a position within the intermediate vessel such that the central axis of the inner vessel is spaced apart from the central axis of the outer vessel. A drive system controls the rolling of the intermediate vessel along the inner surface of the outer vessel. The rolling of the intermediate vessel causes the inner vessel to rotate about its axis and the axis of the outer vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for finishing automotive wheels having a rotatable turret, a plurality of containers journaled on the turret capable of receiving media and capable of selective rotation independent of the turret, and fixtures in the containers that stably hold automotive wheels in said containers for selective reception of said media. The turrets rotate at speeds from 75 to 500 rpm's to produce sufficiently high forces on the wheels. The wheels are held in stable position by a fixture that comprises a plurality of plates fixed about the container shaft for stable engagement with the wheels. The plates may be attached with a flanged tube and angled at approximately 45 to 75 degrees from the plate. The invention also has means for reducing the pressure build up caused by the high rotational forces within the container.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing blunt tip surgical needles. Taper point needles having conventional piercing tips are placed into a vessel containing a grinding media. The needles are maintained in the vessel for a sufficient amount of time to convert the piercing point into a blunt. Additionally, the needles may be separated from the grinding media using a rotating magnetic drum such that the needles remain engaged with the magnetic drum while the grinding media is directed away to a collection tray. Needles are later removed from the magnetic drum.

Abstract: A method of processing a soft or foldable lens includes a step of tumbling (grinding) the lens in a tumbling medium. The tumbling medium includes a mixture of glass beads coated with an abrasive material, alcohol and water. This process applies to single piece and multipiece soft lenses.

Abstract: A centrifugal finisher uses centrifugal and rotational forces for finishing at least one object. A fixed, non-rotatably outer vessel has an inner surface and a central axis. At least one inner vessel is positioned inside the outer vessel and is adapted to hold an object to be finished. The inner vessel has an outer surface. At least one intermediate roller is positioned between the inner surface of the outer vessel and the outer surface of the inner vessel and engages the surfaces of respective outer and inner vessels. A drive mechanism rotates the inner vessel around the central axis of the outer vessel, thereby causing rotation of the inner vessel by engagement of the inner vessel with the intermediate roller which moves by rotation along the inner surface of the outer vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spiral-flow barrel finishing machine having a cylindrical stationary metallic barrel equipped with a lining layer at a lower inside portion. A rotating barrel is equipped with a lining layer on a metallic rotational body and is loosely engaged with the lower part inside of the cylindrical stationary barrel so as to rotate freely. A constant clearance is kept between the inner wall of the stationary barrel and the outer wall of the rotating barrel, regardless of the temperature change and the moisture content change. A measure to allow for thermal expansion having a specific vertical width, properly corresponding to the vertical width of the clearance, is circularly arranged between the inner wall of the metallic stationary barrel and the outer wall of the lining layer on the metallic stationary barrel. This makes an allowance for thermal expansion of the lining layer on the stationary barrel toward wall side of the metallic stationary barrel.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing blunt tip surgical needles. Taper point needles having conventional piercing tips are placed into a vessel containing a grinding media. The needles are maintained in the vessel for a sufficient amount of time to convert the piercing point into a blunt tip.

Abstract: A horizontal full automatic centrifugal fluidizing barrel processing apparatus which does not damage working environment and offers superior working efficiency. When two disk members are rotated together with a revolutionary shaft, a planetary moving mechanism provided in one of the disk members revolves rotary shafts around the revolutionary shaft and rotates the rotary shafts on their axes. Rotary pinching mechanisms installed in the rotary shafts (a part of a barrel pinching mechanism) pinch and rotate airtight cylindrical barrels. Hydraulic cylinders (the remainder of the barrel pinching mechanism) actuate the rotary pinching mechanisms on the side of one of the disk members to release the pinch of the barrels. A barrel handling mechanism 10 carries a released barrel out of the apparatus and set an untreated barrel.

Abstract: Accressory burnishing-treatment apparatus for treatment, namely deburring, turning corners, polishing or cleaning of elements, namely metal, plastic, or ceramic (typically glass) elements. The apparatus is a self-contained hollow sphere, preferably made from substantially abrasion-resistant plastic, that works in conjunction with typically any traditional vibratory tumbling machine. The apparatus preferably has a screw-in port lid or closure member which opens to spherical inner space allowing insertion and later removal from the spherical inner space each of elements after treatment thereof, and removal of that was media necessary for the treatment. Liquid and/or dry or wet media may be used with the elements in combination.

Abstract: An improved dry barrel finishing machine is described, in which a mass consisting of media and workpieces is flowed in the barrel of the machine for abrasive finishing of the workpieces and in which air suction is used to remove dust resulting from the finishing operation and to cool the barrel and the mass. The mass is flowed by rotation of the barrel by a motor or through the vibration of the barrel by a driving mechanism. Air inlets and outlets are provided in the barrel. An air suction device draws air through the barrel and around the workpieces and media during the finishing operation. The drawn out air picks up dust and media particles resulting from the abrasive finishing operation and cools the media and the barrel.

Abstract: A grinding method is provided which is capable of uniformly and precisely grinding objects for a short time, softening shocks produced when the rotation of a grinding barrel is changed between the forward direction and the backward direction to thereby eliminate bruises on the surface of grounded objects, coping with grinding for a large number of objects to be ground in a small quantity or a heavy-weight or a large-size object to be ground, and preventing contacts and collisions between objects to be ground. The grinding method comprises the steps of rotatably mounting not less than one grinding barrels at locations away from the central axis of a rotary drum, enclosing a grinding material and objects to be ground in the grinding barrels, rotating the grinding barrels in the directions identical to and opposite to the direction in which the rotary drum is rotated, and grinding the objects to be ground. An grinding apparatus for implementing the above-mentioned method is also provided.