Abstract: Sanding apparatus comprises a rigid non-expanding cylindrical sanding drum (1) formed with splines on its outer surface (4) and a separate cylindrical cover (2) formed of elastomeric material fitted removably onto the drum and formed with splines on its inner surface (8) adapted to engage with the outer surface of the drum so as to be driven in rotation therewith. An abrasive tube (3) fits over the cover (2) and is gripped by the cover which expands radially when the apparatus is in operation.

Abstract: A rotary tool for surface machining has a disk having an elastomeric outer periphery, an array of angularly spaced elastomeric teeth projecting radially and each having a formation forming a hinge so that the tooth can flex at the hinge.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to provide a substantially uniform layer thickness above a wafer contour as the wafer rotates and is traversed past a pre-planarization tool. The tool has a shank defining an axis of rotation, and a planarization member coupled to the shank has a hook-shaped section supporting a pre-planarization surface spaced by an at-rest-distance from the axis of during an at-rest condition of the shank. The hook-shaped section has a modulus of elasticity selected so that upon rotation, the hook-shaped section flexes and moves the pre-planarization surface to rotation-distances spaced from the axis in response to a velocity of rotation of the hook-shaped section around the axis in a range of velocities. As the tool rotates, metrology intermittently directly senses the layer thickness and controls the velocity of rotation so the rotation-distances have values in excess of a value of the at-rest-distance.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for deburring workpieces, in particular moulded parts and castings made of plastics, rubber or the like, said device comprising a rotatable shank (1) and linear tool elements (5, 6) which, in the axial direction, extend coaxially to the shank axis, are secured relative to the shank (1) and, as the latter rotates, can bulge out radially under the effect of centrifugal force. The device is designed such that an upper and a lower carrier (2, 3) are secured on the shank (1). The tool elements (5, 6) consist of individual threads or thread bundles whose ends are secured in the upper and lower carriers, a spring arrangement (7) being disposed concentrically with the shank (1) between the upper and lower carriers (2, 3).

Abstract: A centrifugal expansion roller (1) for sanding machines, particularly floor sanders, of the type consisting of a metal core (3) with an outer elastomeric annular cover (4). The entire surface of the cover is provided with a plurality of longitudinal slits (5, 8) extending into the annular cover along non-radial planes. The slits (5, 8) are formed along trajectories which have opposite ends that are inclined in opposite directions in respect of a longitudinal generatrix of the surface of the cover.

Abstract: The roller and belt assembly for mounting on a spindle or drive shaft comprises a closed loop belt having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface having an engaging material thereon, and the outer surface having an abrasive or bussing material thereon. The assembly further includes a cylindrical roller having an outer cylindrical surface, having a longitudinal axis and having a resilient, compressible material attached to and covering the outer cylindrical surface. Sliding and engaging structure is attached to the resilient, compressible material which, when the belt is rotated in the first direction, allows the belt to slidingly rotate around and about the longitudinal axis of the roller and, when the belt is rotated in a second direction, the sliding and engaging structure engages the engageable material on the inner surface of the belt and prevents the belt from rotating about the roller.

Abstract: An abrasive tool includes in combination a tubular sleeve of exteriorly coated abrasive which has an axial length and an inside diameter. A drive arbor for the sleeve includes a mandrel adapted to be rotated by a power tool and the like. An elastomeric generally cylindrical arbor is mounted on one end of the mandrel and has an outer and inner axial end. The arbor includes a radially projecting stop flange at its inner end and has a tapered configuration between the stop flange and its outer end to receive the abrasive tubular section, but which creates an interference fit as the tubular section is telescoped on the arbor until one axial end of the tubular section engages the stop flange. The arbor body is provided with non-radial slots which make the body more pliable in a static condition, but which improve the grip of the arbor on the sleeve at speed. The slots also improve heat dissipation.

Abstract: An inflatable tool is used for abrading or finishing a surface of a workpiece. The inflatable tool includes an inflatable bladder clamped at first and second ends of a core having an elastomeric outer core portion. The inflatable bladder is inflated by a pressurized medium and forms a pocket or chamber around the elastomeric outer core portion. An abrasive sleeve is disposed around and secured by the inflatable bladder when inflated. The elastomeric outer core portion provides a resilient support surface for the inflatable bladder and the abrasive sleeve while abrading a workpiece. One example of the abrasive sleeve includes one or more bulging abrasive regions created by one or more slots in the abrasive sleeve. One example of a method of using the inflatable tool includes abrading a surface of a workpiece with one or more bulging abrasive regions, and chamfering both sides of a hole extending through a workpiece.

Abstract: A soft sanding roller apparatus is provided with a soft compressible sanding sleeve and roller that allows a wide flat to form on the side of the sanding sleeve being pushed against a substrate, such as a piece of wood. The preferred sleeve is backed by a soft deformable layer, such as a soft foam layer, which allows the sanding sleeve to conform to the surface of the substrate without chattering or digging into the substrate. The sleeve has a bore diameter smaller than the uncompressed diameter of the soft foam layer so that the foam layer exerts an even force on the cylindrical sleeve to retain its cylindrical shape. The sleeve is driven by a connection such as a one-way clutch between the sanding sleeve and the foam layer on the roller. The roller is rotated in one direction by a motor to do sanding with the one-way clutch driving the sleeve. The sleeve is removed by turning it in a direction opposite to the sanding direction and pulling it axially against the force from the compressed foam layer.