Abstract: A method of reducing the force required to insert an elastomeric seal in a cavity of a metallic member includes tumbling the member in a tumbling machine with media to decrease the surface roughness of the member. Preferably, the tumbling step includes decreasing the surface roughness of the metallic member at least a portion of the member defining an entrance to the cavity. The method is particularly useful for reducing the force required to insert fuel injectors having top O-rings into fuel rail cups.

Abstract: A method of removing parting line flash from a molded golf ball by use of low temperature cryogenic deflashing apparatus is disclosed. The cryogenic deflashing apparatus incorporates a rotating basket wherein the golf balls are placed and therein agitate them such that each ball will be evenly exposed to a recirculating blasting media. The low temperature environment causes the very thin gauge (0.003″) parting line flash to become embrittled relative to the ball and is deflashed by the blasting media, which comprises plastic pellitized shot.

Abstract: A machine for finishing automotive wheels having a rotatable turret, a plurality of containers or barrel cages journaled on the turret capable of selective rotation independent of the turret, with cartridges loaded into said containers or cages from the end through openings in the turret and fixtures in the containers that stably hold automotive wheels in said containers for selective reception of said media. The wheels are held in stable position by a fixture that comprises two part cushioned supports for permitting selective reception of media about the surface of the wheel that requires finishing. The cartridges may be loaded in and out of the barrel cages by means of a conveyor system.

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: A fixture for holding tools to be processed in a rotational processing apparatus. The fixture includes at least one mounting rod with a plurality of spacers slidably disposed on the mounting rod. A plurality of tools are disposed about the rod, each tool being spaced from an adjacent tool by one of the spacers. A removable attachment is provided on at least one end of the rod for inhibiting the spacers from sliding off the rod. The fixture may also include first and second end plates mounted to the rod on either side of the products being finished. One or more springs may also me incorporated onto the rod between a spacer and the first or second end plates. A process for loading and using the fixture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process of dry polishing molded or lathe cut intraocular lenses or like medical devices to removing flash, sharp edges and/or surface irregularities therefrom. The process includes gas and/or rotational tumbling of the intraocular lenses or like medical devices in a dry polishing media. The process is suitable for single piece and multipiece intraocular lenses of varying composition.

Abstract: A process of dry polishing molded or lathe cut intraocular lenses or like medical devices to removing flash, sharp edges and/or surface irregularities therefrom. The process includes gas and/or rotational tumbling of the intraocular lenses or like medical devices in a dry polishing media. The process is suitable for single piece and multipiece intraocular lenses of varying composition.

Abstract: A method for polishing and chamfering a rare earth alloy including the steps of: preparing rare earth alloy work, feeding the rare earth alloy work, ball media, a liquid medium, and spacer particles (in an amount of 0.1% to 10% by volume of the liquid medium) into a container, and subjecting the rare earth work to polishing by vibrating the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved method for differentially polishing the surface of metallic materials in a dry tumbling operation. The process involves providing a finish of a first type on a metallic object. A protective coating is then placed over the first area. The object is then placed into a tumbling drum with a dry polishing media and tumbled to provide a polished finish on the unprotected surface. A secondary feature of the present invention provides the ability to flash off the polishing compounds between polishing batches to prevent build up of polishing residue and provide more consistent results.

Abstract: A method, a device and a plant for cleaning irregular pieces consisting of different materials, for example cast iron pieces with parts of compressed coal dust sticking thereon and coal pieces made of compressed coal dust with parts of a contaminating film adhering thereon, wherein the cleaning of both materials is carried out in only one cleaning device comprising a cleaning jacket which has a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis, is rotatable in both directions of rotation, is pivoted in order to swing in the vertical longitudinal plane, and is provided with cleaning tools which are fastened to the cleaning jacket along jacket generating lines or helicoidal lines. The cleaning tools have two geometrical different operative sides in order to form an active side for each of both materials to be cleaned when rotating in an associated direction of rotation.

Abstract: An inventive method for fabricating a multilayered ceramic electronic component comprises the steps of: preparing a multilayered ceramic body and abrasive powders into an abrader; abrading the multilayered ceramic body for smoothing edge portions of the multilayered ceramic body; and separating the multilayered ceramic body from the abrasive powders, wherein the abrasive powders are porous and includes fat and oil, in such a way that the abrasive powders allow undesirable wastes produced from the multilayered ceramic body to adhere thereto during the abrading step, thereby resulting in preventing internal or external electrodes of the multilayered ceramic body from being contaminated by the undesirable wastes, and improving the electrical properties of the multilayered ceramic electronic component.

Abstract: A method for polishing and chamfering a rare earth alloy including the steps of: preparing rare earth alloy work, feeding the rare earth alloy work, ball media, a liquid medium, and spacer particles (in an amount of 0.1% to 10% by volume of the liquid medium) into a container, and subjecting the rare earth work to polishing by vibrating the container.

Abstract: A process of dry polishing molded or lathe cut intraocular lenses to removing flash, sharp edges and/or surface irregularities therefrom. The process includes rotational tumbling of partially protected intraocular lenses in a dry polishing media. The process is suitable for single piece and multipiece intraocular lenses of varying composition.

Abstract: A method for producing a turbine airfoil that is coated with a beta phase, high aluminum content coating, such as substantially stoichiometric NiAl, and which has a surface finish suitable for application of a ceramic topcoat. The method involves impacting the coating with preselected particles of a preselected size so that the brittle coating is not adversely affected by chipping or breakage. The impacting produces a surface finish of 120 micro-inches or better so that a ceramic thermal barrier layer can be applied over the coating. The preferred method of improving the surface finish utilizes steel balls having a diameter of about 0.033″ and a peening intensity of no greater than about 6 A.

Abstract: A ceramic electronic part producing method, in which when a ceramic electronic part having an internal electrode in a ceramic sintered body and having an external electrode connected to the internal electrode at an outside surface thereof is to be produced, a ceramic sintered body is obtained, and then subjected to dry-type barrel polishing, which does not use water, using a centrifugal barrel device in order to expose the internal electrode from an outside surface of the ceramic sintered body. The method is one in which the problem of deterioration of electrical properties, such as insulation resistance property, caused by entrance of moisture during polishing, seldom occurs and in which a large number of highly reliable ceramic electronic parts can be produced.

Abstract: A spiral-flow barrel finishing machine having a cylindrical stationary barrel and a rotary barrel closed at the bottom thereof includes an escape layer or air layer is provided between the inner side of the metallic wall of the stationary barrel and the outer side of a lining layer being formed thereon and for allowing for the outwardly thermal expansion of the lining layer.

Abstract: A dry surface treating apparatus of the present invention comprises, within a treating chamber, a surface-treating material supply section and a tubular barrel having a porous peripheral surface for accommodating a work piece, to treat a surface of the work piece while rotating the tubular barrel horizontally arranged about a horizontal rotational axis, wherein the tubular barrel has a slide stop for stopping a slide of the accommodated work piece along an inner peripheral surface of the tubular barrel due to rotation of the tubular barrel.

Abstract: A tumble medium for surface treatment of an article having a first radiographic signature comprises material having a second radiographic signature different from the first radiographic signature sufficient to enable radiographic detection of the material as distinct from the article. The tumble medium is used in a method for treatment of a surface of an article including there through openings communicating with an interior of the article. After tumbling, the article is inspected by radiography to detect any tumble medium within the interior of the article.

Abstract: In a method for ultrafine grinding of solid particulate material to mean particle sizes far below 1 micrometer and/or for mixing of powder and agglomerate material with mean particle sizes in the range of nanometers, the material to be ground and/or mixed and an grinding/mixing additive are filled into a cooled grinding chamber containing loose grinding media. By motion of the grinding media relative to adjacent media and to the walls of the grinding chamber the material is ground to the desired particle size and/or is finely mixed. Subsequently the additive is removed from said material. For the production of particle sizes in the range of nanometers and/or for mixing particles of this size range, the method comprises that grinding and/or mixing is carried out in a cooled atmosphere in the presence of a fine grained solidified additive which is chemically inert to said material, preferably water ice or solid carbon dioxide, at temperatures below their melting or sublimation temperature.

Abstract: A deburring, burnishing and polishing machine using a grinding or polishing medium rotating on an endless conveyor belt, especially for noble metals, with a service-friendly, at any time integratable collection device for the products to be polished and the polishing medium by means of a basket or a cage with holes, and with the inside of the machine being accessible at any time through a panshaped polishing trough, which on the one side is connected with the pipe frame and on the front sides exhibits a carrier profile for the storage of the conveyor rollers rotating on the backing side of the conveyor belt, whereby polishing dust or polishing solution is collected in a collection pan that can be pulled out below the polishing trough, and in the wet process the solution is transported by means of a rotating pump back into the polishing trough.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method are disclosed for finishing the surfaces of workpieces, and that is particularly suitable for metal workpieces. The apparatus includes a tub, finishing media in the tub, means for moving the media in the tub in a generally revolving motion in the tub, and means for positioning and rotating a workpiece to be polished in the media about an axis that is oblique to the axis about which the media revolves and without moving the position of the workpiece with respect to the tub as the workpiece rotates.

Abstract: A tumble medium for surface treatment of an article having a first radiographic signature comprises material having a second radiographic signature different from the first radiographic signature sufficient to enable radiographic detection of the material as distinct from the article. The tumble medium is used in a method for treatment of a surface of an article including there through openings communicating with an interior of the article. After tumbling, the article is inspected by radiography to detect any tumble medium within the interior of the article.

Abstract: A tumbler apparatus for abrading and polishing small parts and rocks includes a cylindrical barrel with a closed end and an open end. The inner surface at the open end has a circular sealing edge. A sealing closure for the sealing the barrel at the open end includes a first and a second rigid disc. A resilient band, either an O-ring or a cylinder, is held between the discs. A translating mechanism draws the discs toward one another in a sealing mode, that compresses the band to bulge outwardly to sealingly engage the inner sealing surface of the barrel open end. In a releasing mode, the discs are moved apart, allowing the band to resume it original shape, thereby unsealing the barrel to facilitate removal of the closure for access to the barrel contents. A pressure relief valve at the center of the discs may be optionally provided.

Abstract: A magnetic polishing machine comprises a polishing tub and an alternating magnetic field generator for producing a magnetic field effect to induce a number of magnetic media to travel at a high speed to polish by rubbing a workpiece contained in the polishing tub. The magnetic polishing machine further comprises a built-in separation tub and a homomagnetic field generator for generating a unidirectional magnetic field effect to separate the cohered magnetic media from the workpiece which is transferred from the polishing tub to the separation tub upon completion of the polishing process.

Abstract: A tumble medium for surface treatment of an article having a first radiographic signature comprises material having a second radiographic signature different from the first radiographic signature sufficient to enable radiographic detection of the material as distinct from the article. The tumble medium is used in a method for treatment of a surface of an article including there through openings communicating with an interior of the article. After tumbling, the article is inspected by radiography to detect any tumble medium within the interior of the article.

Abstract: A finishing assembly for vibratory finishing of workpieces in loose finishing media includes at least one generally annular finishing chamber which is driven by a drive assembly and supported by a support housing. The drive assembly consists of a crank shaft and a drive shaft which are rigidly connected to each other through a wedge-shaped gasket and oriented such that the rotary axis of the crank shaft and the rotary axis of the drive shaft intersect with one another at a predetermined angle. The crank shaft rotates within a first bearing hub which is rigidly mounted within the chamber and the drive shaft rotates within a second bearing hub which is rigidly secured to the assembly housing and which is actuated by an electric motor. The spatial vibration of the finishing assembly can be adjusted using a wedge-shaped gasket and/or by providing for horizontal displacement of the first bearing hub from the second bearing hub.

Abstract: A method of polishing articles comprising soft acrylic materials is disclosed. The method includes a polishing step and a cleaning step. In the polishing step a receptacle is charged with polishing beads of various sizes, alumina, sodium hydroxide, water, a surfactant, and the articles to be polished, and agitated for a period of time and at a speed sufficient to remove surface irregularities. The polishing step is completed below the glass transition (Tg) point of the acrylic article being polished but above 0° C. Following the polishing step, the polished articles are cleaned by rinsing them with water for a period of time to clean the surface of the polished articles.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed wherein works may be finished magnetically by media by utilizing the interaction of the works and media placed within the generated alternating magnetic fields. A method of finishing works magnetically comprises generating multiple alternating magnetic fields and combining them to provide combined alternating magnetic fields covering a specific extensive region and placing media and works in their free motion within those alternating magnetic fields. An apparatus for finishing works magnetically comprises a plurality of alternating magnetic filed generator units each including a plurality of magnets, wherein any combination of those units provides combined alternating magnetic fields within which works and media are placed, with at least the media being placed in its free motion.

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 workpiece has at least one exterior surface with an initial average surface roughness (Ir). The profile of the exterior surface is derived by conventional manufacturing processes, some of which leave the exterior surface with irregularities having directional orientation. The workpiece is subjected to a controlled vibratory finishing process such that the exterior surface has a desired average surface roughness (Ar) after exposure to the finishing process for a predetermine period of time (T.sub.opt). This predetermined period of time is based upon the initial average surface roughness (Ir), the desired average surface roughness (Ar) and a minimum average surface roughness obtainable through the vibratory finishing process (Dr).

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: Sharp edges formed during forging are removed from cam lobes by tumbling prior to machining of mounting bores which have been rough formed by punching. Tumbling effectively removes the sharp edges from non-hardened steel and prevents the formation of burrs caused by prior grinding techniques.

Abstract: A vibratory finishing machine includes a base having an upper face, coil springs mounted on the upper face of the base, a vibrator having an outer peripheral face and mounted on the base via the coil springs for vibration, a vibrating motor mounted on the vibrator, and a helical tubular container into which an admixture of workpieces to be finished and finishing media are loaded. The container has upper and lower flat superposed faces extending lengthwise and is helically wound on the outer peripheral face of the vibrator at a plurality of turns so that the upper and/or lower superposed faces of each turn of the container are superposed on the lower and/or upper superposed faces of the adjacent turn or turns respectively.

Abstract: A canalicular implant for insertion through the punctum of the eye and the method of manufacture. The implant is fabricated by cutting suture-like material, such as catgut, of the appropriate diameter to the desired length. The ends of the implant are rounded and polished after cutting by abrasive polishing to remove any sharp edges and burrs formed by the cutting process. This produces an implant with various degrees of rounding at the ends depending on the duration and type of abrasive polishing used. The method of abrasive polishing may comprise tumble polishing, vibratory polishing, or other methods of agitation utilizing dry or wet media comprised of beads, forms, abrasive powders, or other similar substances or combinations of these media.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vibrating abrasive cleaning apparatus and method which is powered by a hydraulic drive motor mounted to a square tubing frame which is housed within an enclosure that is vibrated by an eccentric shaft assembly directly coupled to the hydraulic drive motor and square tubing frame. The container assembly is mounted on the 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 parts circulation and cleaning. To further give flexibility to the cleaning process the hydraulic power supply is equipped with the variable volume piston pump to give infinite speed settings. The eccentric shaft assembly with the eccentric weight positions set at different relative positions to one another gives the operator the ability to adjust the machine to produce optimum results with all parts, sizes, and weights.

Abstract: A dry barrel finishing machine is disclosed. The machine includes a device to drip or spray water to wet the surface of media. The faucet of the device is located adjacent or in the barrel or barrels of the finishing machine so that it can spray water on media in the barrel or barrels. The media is cooled by the sprayed water. Since the sprayed water wets and softens the surface of the media, attrition dust on the surface of the media is easily removed during attrition. Also, since the wetted surface of the media tends to peel, it is self-sharpened. Thus the media always keeps its abrasive ability.

Abstract: The hard coated abrasive medium is formed by providing a hollow body with abrasive deposit on the outer surface. The buoyancy is provided by the enclosed space, and the weight is defined by the weight of the body plus the abrasive grit deposited thereon. The density is selected to be less than 1 so that the hard coated abrasive medium in a process which includes the abrasive medium plus water and plus the work-piece(s) upon which the abrasive medium is acting.

Abstract: A process of removing flash from a molded intraocular lens includes a step of tumbling the lens body in a tumbling media. The tumbling media includes a mixture of 0.5 mm diameter glass beads and 1.0 mm diameter glass beads, alcohol and water. This process applies to single piece and multipiece IOLs.

Abstract: Method for removing at least one coating from metal scrap parts covered with a coating. The scrap parts are brought into motion in a vessel containing abrasive elements in such a way that multiple collisions occur within the vessel. In further embodiments a liquid, and a metal powder are added to the scrap parts.

Abstract: A new Method of Shaping and Polishing Jewelry from Shells for making jewelry from shells thereby providing an aesthetically pleasing piece of jewelry. The inventive device includes grinding a shell approximately into a desired shape, tumbling the shell in a coarse grade material, then tumbling in a semi-coarse grade material, then tumbling in a fine grade polishing material, and thereafter securing to an article of jewelry. This method makes assorted types of jewelry such as necklaces, pendants, bracelets and earrings.

Abstract: A centrifugal dry barrel finishing machine is disclosed. The machine include a plurality of barrel pots which are rotated about their axes of rotation and revolved about an axis of revolution. A mass is put in the barrel pots to finish workpieces by dry media that flows in the barrel pots. Each barrel pot has an air-intake part and an air and dust exhaust part that prevent the workpieces and dry media of the mass from passing through the parts, and the air and dust exhaust part is connected to and in communication with a dust collector through a connector device such that each barrel pot is rotatable and revolvable relative to said dust collector.

Abstract: A magnetic barrel tumbler for polishing precious metal articles, including a motor case adapted to firmly support a motor therein, an outer housing mounted to an upper portion of the motor case, a magnetic disc placed in a space defined by both the outer housing and the motor case, the magnetic disc including a disc plate coupled to a shaft of the motor, and a plurality of magnets attached to an upper surface of the disc plate, the magnets being arranged in a fashion that those having opposite polarities face each other diametrically so that variations in magnetic field are induced during a rotation of the disc plate, a fixed plate spaced from an upper surface of the magnetic disc and fixedly mounted at an outer edge thereof to an inner surface of the outer housing, the fixed plate being made of a nonmetallic material, a polishing barrel laid on the fixed plate, the polishing barrel being provided with a protrusion at the central portion of an inner bottom surface thereof and with a chamber for containing art

Abstract: A process for modifying commercial/domestic plastic fingernail tip extensions comprises the steps of, loading an abrasive material with a plurality of commercial/domestic plastic fingernail tip extensions into a mixing chamber whereby a plurality of fingernail tip extensions are processed simultaneously either by blowing gas through the mixing chamer in combination with an abrasive material, tumbling the mixing chamber, or vibrating the mixing chamber, to scratch/roughen the commercial/domestic plastic fingernail tip extensions to a desired thickness.

Abstract: A washing liquid and a granular substance in the quantity equivalent to or more than the liquid in the specific gravity are accommodated in a barrel in a manner to position the surface of the liquid above the top surface of a granular substance layer at a stationary state of the barrel, and the barrel is swung with an object to be washed which is accommodated therein to wash away stains firmly stuck.In the same manner, various treatment liquid such as a plating liquid and a granular substance which possess conductivity or without conductivity are accommodated in the barrel with an object to be treated. By swinging the barrel, the treatment liquid and the granular substance are stirred and flow in the barrel so that the fluidity of the treatment liquid and granular substance relative to the object to be treated is improved to raise treatment effect and uniformity in the process. Thus, high quality surface treatment can be accomplished in high productivity.

Abstract: A method of polishing an object is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of creating a polishing zone within a magnetorheological fluid; determining the characteristics of the contact between the object and the polishing zone necessary to polish the object; controlling the consistency of the fluid in the polishing zone; bringing the object into contact with the polishing zone of the fluid; and moving at least one of said object and said fluid with respect to the other. Also disclosed is a polishing device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a magnetorheological fluid, a means for inducing a magnetic field, and a means for displacing the object to be polished or the means for inducing a magnetic field relative to one another.

Abstract: A process of removing flash from a molded silicone intraocular lens includes a step of tumbling the lens body in a tumbling media. The tumbling media includes a mixture of 0.5 mm diameter glass beads and 1.0 mm diameter glass beads, alcohol and water. This process applies to single piece and multipiece silicone IOLs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile vibratory abrasive cleaning apparatus that includes a flatbed having wheels upon which are mounted the other components of the apparatus which include a cleaning tank, a vibrator for vibrating the tank, a loop system for circulating the abrasive cleaner through the tank, control panel and power generator supplying electricity for running the apparatus. The loop system for circulating abrasive cleaner through the tank includes sprayers in the tank, an abrasive cleaner surge tank, filter system and drain system. In operation, the abrasive cleaner is pumped from the cleaner surge tank to the sprayers in the cleaning tank, and after contacting the articles to be cleaned, the abrasive cleaner drains from the cleaning tank and is pumped back to the cleaner surge tank. Contaminants are removed via a filter provided in the surge tank and/or the drain system.

Abstract: A rotary drum washer-extractor having an abrasive structure therein for treating fabrics or garments in a wash medium and a method of abrading fabrics or garments employing the abrasive structure to produce a controlled abrasion of the fabrics or garments are disclosed. The abrasive structure is formed preferably of a corrosion resistant material wherein the material forms an abrasive surface affixed to metal surface by a molten metal technique.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vibrating abrasive cleaning apparatus and method which is powered by a hydraulic drive motor mounted to a square tubing frame which is housed within an enclosure that is vibrated by an eccentric shaft assembly directly coupled to the hydraulic drive motor and square tubing frame. The container assembly is mounted on the 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 parts circulation and cleaning. To further give flexibility to the cleaning process the hydraulic power supply is equipped with the variable volume piston pump to give infinite speed settings. The eccentric shaft assembly with the eccentric weight positions set at different relative positions to one another gives the operator the ability to adjust the machine to produce optimum results with all parts, sizes, and weights.

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.