U.S. patent application number 10/563734 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-10 for high speed vertical processor.
Invention is credited to Steve E. Hoffman.
Application Number | 20060178093 10/563734 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34134586 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060178093 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hoffman; Steve E. |
August 10, 2006 |
High speed vertical processor
Abstract
A vertical processor (10) for processing parts by subjecting the
parts to rotational and centrifugal motion with abrasive media. The
processor includes an outer drum (32), and a plurality of inner
containers (34) positioned within the outer drum. The inner
containers are driven into engagement with the inner surface of the
outer drum by centrifugal motion. Each container has an open top. A
drive system centrifugally drives the inner containers within the
outer drum. A lid (62) is removably engaged with each container for
closing the container. A lifting mechanism is attached to each lid
for lifting the lids off of the container.
Inventors: |
Hoffman; Steve E.;
(Englewood Cliffs, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH;ATTN: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP
ONE LOGAN SQUARE
18TH AND CHERRY STREETS
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-6996
US
|
Family ID: |
34134586 |
Appl. No.: |
10/563734 |
Filed: |
July 7, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
July 7, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US03/21218 |
371 Date: |
January 6, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
451/113 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B24B 31/0218 20130101;
B24B 31/0212 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
451/113 |
International
Class: |
B24B 19/00 20060101
B24B019/00 |
Claims
1. A vertical processor comprising: an outer drum having an inner
surface; a plurality of containers positioned within the outer drum
and adapted to be driven into engagement with the inner surface of
the outer drum by centrifugal motion, each container having an open
top; a drive system for centrifugally driving the containers within
the drum; a lid adapted to removably engage with each container for
closing the container; and a lifting mechanism attached to each lid
and adapted to lift the lid off of the container.
2. A vertical processor according to claim 1, wherein said lifting
mechanism further comprises a lifting member that is rotatable with
said drive system, is movable to lift the lid, and on which said
lid is rotatably mounted for rotation with its associated
container.
3. A vertical processor according to claim 1, wherein the
containers are rotatably mounted on bearing blocks and the bearing
blocks are pivotably attached to a rotatable member of the drive
system for pivoting about pivot axes tangential to an axis of
rotation of the drive system.
4. A vertical processor according to claim 3, wherein each
container further comprises a traction surface for frictional
engagement with the inner surface of the outer drum, and wherein a
center of mass of said container is between said traction surface
and said pivot axis of the bearing block.
5. A vertical processor according to claim 3, wherein the lid of at
least one container is pivotably connected to the bearing
block.
6. A vertical processor according to claim 5, wherein said lid is
pivotably mounted at an upper end of said container and said pivot
axis attaching said bearing block to said rotatable member is at a
lower end of said container, further comprising a lift arm fixed
relative to said bearing block and extending along said container
and to which said lid is pivotably mounted.
7. A vertical processor according to claim 1, wherein the lid of at
least one container is pivotably mounted about an axis that lies
radially inward of the container, relative to the drum, and is
offset from a radial axis through the center of the pivotably
mounted mass of the lid in a direction towards which the lid moves
as the lid closes onto the container.
8. A vertical processor according to claim 1, wherein the lifting
mechanism comprises a linkage for opening and closing at least one
lid, wherein the linkage comprises a resilient element that when
the lid is closed exerts a force urging the lid to remain
closed.
9. A vertical processor according to claim 8, wherein the resilient
element comprises a gas spring that when the lid is closed acts in
compression along the length of the gas spring.
10. A vertical processor according to claim 8, wherein the force
the resilient element exerts when the lid is closed urges the
container on which the lid is mounted outwards against the inner
surface of the outer drum.
11. A vertical processor according to claim 10, wherein when the
lid is closed the linkage is angled radially and axially, with its
radially outer end attached to the lid, and wherein the lifting
mechanism moves the radially inner end of the linkage axially away
from the lid to open the lid.
12. A vertical processor according to claim 1, wherein the lifting
mechanism further comprises a lift mount movable along the axis of
the drum, rotatable with the drive system, and connected to the
lids.
13. A vertical processor according to claim 12, wherein the lids
are pivotably mounted about axes radially inward of the lids, and
the axial movement of the lift mount causes axial movement of outer
parts of the lids.
14. A vertical processor according to claim 12, wherein the lift
mount further comprises a non-rotating, axially movable lift plate
and a linear actuator arranged to move said lift plate axially, and
wherein said lift plate is connected to said lift mount for
relative rotation.
15. A vertical processor according to claim 1, wherein said outer
drum and said drive mechanism have a common substantially vertical
axis.
16. A vertical processor comprising: an outer drum having an inner
surface and a substantially vertical axis; a plurality of
containers positioned within the outer drum and adapted to be
driven into engagement with the inner surface of the outer drum by
centrifugal motion, each container having an open top and a
traction surface for frictional engagement with the inner surface
of the outer drum; a drive system rotatable about the axis of the
drum for centrifugally driving the containers to orbit within the
drum such that the containers roll on the inner surface of the
outer drum; a plurality of bearing blocks pivotably attached at a
lower end of the containers to a rotatable member of the drive
system for pivoting about pivot axes tangential to an axis of
rotation of the drive system, wherein the containers are rotatably
mounted on the bearing blocks for rolling on the inner surface of
the outer drum, wherein a center of mass of said container is
between said traction surface and said pivot axis of the bearing
block; a lift arm fixed relative to each said bearing block and
extending upward along said container; a plurality of lids, each
pivotably mounted to a said lift arm at an upper end of said
container and adapted to removably engage with a respective
container for closing the container; and a lifting mechanism
attached to said lids and adapted to lift the lids off of the
containers, said lifting mechanism comprising: a plurality of
lifting members that are rotatable with said drive system, and on
each of which a respective said lid is rotatably mounted for
rolling rotation with its associated container, wherein said lids
are pivotably mounted about axes that lie radially inward of the
container, relative to the drum, and below a radial axis through
the center of the pivotably mounted mass of the lid and lifting
member; a lift mount movable along the axis of the drum and
rotatable with the drive system; a plurality of linkages connecting
the lift mount to the lifting members, wherein each linkage
comprises a gas spring that when the lid is closed acts in
compression along the length of the gas spring to urge the lid
downwards and to urge the lid and the container downwards and
outwards; a non-rotating, axially movable lift plate connected to
said lift mount for relative rotation; and a linear actuator
arranged to move said lift plate axially.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to apparatus for high speed
processing of products and, more particularly, to an improved
vertical axis processor which includes an lid lift assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various processes and machines have been developed over the
years to provide processing of the surfaces of products. Some
processing machinery use the centrifugal force imparted by a
rotating vessel, in combination with an abrasive media, to finish
products. A number of these machines subject objects to both
centrifugal and rotational forces using a complex gearing
arrangement. These types of machines are limited to a particular
ratio of revolutional speed to rotational speed. Also, the
construction of these existing machines is complicated requiring
many moving parts, and are generally extremely noisy. Other types
of machines create centrifugal forces by revolving a vessel around
a shaft and creating rotational forces using a belt wrapped around
the shaft and the exterior of the vessel. In this type of design,
the speed of the belt is directed related to the speed of the
shaft. As such, excessive speed can result in overheating of the
machines.
[0003] One of the key deficiencies with many of the prior art
machines is that the rotating components are supported by bearings.
As such, the speed and operational life of those machines is
limited to the maximum capability of the bearings. Also, bearings
tend to not tolerate vibration very well. As such, machines which
utilize bearings to support the rotating containers operate fairly
slow.
[0004] One successful machine using both centrifugal and rotational
forces in a simple design, without a system of gears and which can
be operated at very high speeds, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,355,638 to Hoffman, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety. As disclosed in that
'638 patent, the centrifugal vertical finisher (or polisher) has an
outer vessel that is rotatable, and at least one inner vessel that
is revolved about the axis of the rotatable outer vessel and
rotated about its own axis. A traction surface exists between the
inner surface of the outer vessel and the outer surface of the
inner vessel. The traction surface allows the outer vessel to
restrain the inner vessel while the inner vessel experiences
centrifugal forces. This machine simultaneously uses the momentum
caused by the speed and potentially direction differential between
the outer and inner vessels to produce revolution of the inner
vessel.
[0005] The '638 patent also discloses an apparatus where a center
drive can be used for rotating the outer vessel and the inner
vessel.
[0006] Another successful machine using both centrifugal and
rotational forces is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,929 to
Hoffman, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety. The '929 patent discloses a centrifugal
vertical finisher with a fixed outer vessel that permits much
larger objects to be finished without the need to apply excessive
energy and force to the unit. Additionally, the device in the '929
patent permits the inner vessel to be removed so that vessels of
various diameters can be used in the unit without necessarily
having to change the outer vessel.
[0007] Although the '638 and '929 patents provide a significant
advancement in the field of rotational processing, these machines
do not describe any mechanism for automating the opening and
closing of the barrels or vessels for ease of loading and unloading
of products and media.
[0008] A need, therefore, exists for an improved vertical processor
which includes an automated lid system for facilitating access to
the interior of the processing containers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention relates to an improved vertical
processor for processing parts by subjecting the parts to
rotational and centrifugal motion with an abrasive media. The
vertical processor includes an outer drum which has an inner
surface, and a plurality of inner containers located within the
outer drum and adapted to be driven into engagement with inner
surface of the outer drum by centrifugal motion. The engagement
between the inner containers and the outer drum inducing rotational
motion to the containers. Each container has an open top.
[0010] A drive system is provided for centrifugally driving the
inner containers against the drum. The drive system can also be
used to rotate the outer drum, thereby further enhancing the motion
of the containers.
[0011] Each container includes a lid that is adapted to removably
engage with the container for closing the container. The lids are
attached to a lifting mechanism which is deigned to lift the lids
off of the container.
[0012] The foregoing and other features of the invention and
advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in
light of the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will be
realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various
respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly,
the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative
in nature, and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings
show a form of the invention which is presently preferred. However,
it should be understood that this invention is not limited to the
precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the
drawings.
[0014] FIG. 1 is an isometric drawing of a vertical processor
according to the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the vertical processor of
FIG. 1 with the outer framing covers removed to illustrate the
frame structure.
[0016] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the vertical processor of
FIG. 1 with the frame structure and drum removed to clearly
illustrate the lid mechanism and drive system for the
processor.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the processor taken
along lines 4-4 in FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a top cross-sectional view of the processor taken
along lines 5-5 in FIG. 1
[0019] FIG. 6A is a side view of a container with a portion of the
lid assembly shown.
[0020] FIG. 6B is a side view of the container of FIG. 6A with the
lid in its open position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals illustrate corresponding or similar elements throughout
the several views, FIGS. 1 and 2 are isometric views of a vertical
processor 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
The vertical processor 10 includes a frame assembly 12 which forms
a support structure and safety housing for the processor. The frame
assembly 12 includes frame covers 14 which are attached to a frame
structure 16. One or more of the covers may be removable from the
frame structure to facilitate access to the processor. In the
illustrated embodiment, the frame assembly 12 forms an enclosure
within which the processing assembly 18 is located. The covers
limit access to the processing assembly 18 so as to inhibit foreign
objects from entering the processing assembly 18.
[0022] The frame structure 16 is preferably made from tubular steel
or other high strength components. As shown in FIG. 2, the frame
structure includes vertical columns 20 and horizontal beams 22. The
columns 20 include feet 24 which are preferably designed to be
secured to the ground. The feet 24 may include vibration isolators,
such as rubber, to minimize or attenuate the transfer of vibration
from the frame structure 16 to the ground. The beams 22 are
attached to the columns 20 using any conventional mechanism, such
as welding. The beams 22 are preferably grouped so as to form a box
structure as shown in FIG. 2. This type of arrangement provides
strong support for reacting the various loads imposed on the frame
structure 16 by the processor.
[0023] Referring now for FIG. 3, an isometric view of the
processing assembly 18 is shown. As will be described in more
detail below, the processing assembly 18 includes a rotational
processor 26, a drive mechanism 28 and a lid assembly 30. For
clarity the outer annular ring or drum is not shown in FIG. 3. The
drum forms part of the rotational processor 26 as described below.
The frame structure 16 preferably supports each of these
components, thus providing a self-contained assembly.
[0024] The rotational processor 26 is illustrated in more detail in
FIGS. 3 and 4. The rotational processor 26 includes an outer
annular ring or drum 32. For simplicity, the ring or drum will be
referred to as an outer drum. While the illustrated embodiment
includes a cylindrical drum, any shape drum can be used. As is
described in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,355,638 and 5,848,929, the
entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety, the outer drum provides a surface upon which a
processing container can roll along. The outer drum 32 is either
fixed or, more preferably, rotatably mounted to or supported by the
frame structure 16. A plurality of inner processing containers or
vessels 34 are located within the outer drum 32. The inner
containers 34 are mounted so as to be driven independently from the
outer drum 32 as will be described in more detail below. In the
illustrated embodiment, the inner surface of the outer drum 32 is
cylindrical in shape. As such, the inner container 34, which is
also preferably cylindrical, is driven around the inner
circumference of the outer drum 32 (i.e., rolls along the inner
surface) and, thus, is rotated about the central axis of the outer
drum.
[0025] The outer drum 32 is preferably disposed about a central
drive shaft 36. The drive shaft 36 is mounted to the frame
structure 16 through one or more bearings 38 and, as such, can
rotate about its vertical axis relative to the frame structure. A
drum shaft 40 is disposed about a portion of the drive shaft 36.
The drum shaft 40 is supported by two bearings 42 which are mounted
to beams. The drum shaft 40 is free to rotate relative to the drive
shaft 36, as well as the frame structure 16. The drum 32 is
attached to the drum shaft 36 through a drum mount 42. The drum
mount 42 is attached to the drum shaft 40 and drum 31, such that
the drum 32 and the drum shaft 40 rotate in combination with one
another.
[0026] One or more rollers 44 (shown in FIG. 3) are mounted to the
frame structure 16 and located so as to contact the outer surface
of the drum 32. The rollers 44 provide lateral support for the drum
while permitting rotation of the drum about the central axis.
[0027] The outer drum and drum shaft are preferably made from high
strength material which can withstand high centrifugal loads, such
as steel.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 5, a top view of the rotational
processor 26 is shown illustrating the turret mounting arrangement
of the inner containers 34. More particularly, a center disk 46 is
attached to the drive shaft 36 through a container mount 48 such
that the center disk 46 and drive shaft 36 rotate in combination
with one another.
[0029] The containers 34 are mounted about the periphery of the
center disk 46. The mounting arrangement is similar to the mounting
arrangement shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,355,638, however the present
invention incorporates a pivot connection. More specifically, a
plurality of clevis mounts 50 are attached to the center disk 46 at
spaced apart circumferential positions. As shown, each clevis mount
50 is associated with one container 34. As should be readily
apparent, the clevis mounts 50 and containers 34 are preferably
arranged so as to be substantially balanced about the drive shaft
36. Each clevis mount 50 includes two spaced apart legs 52. The
legs 52 are designed to extend about a lift arm 54 as shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6A.
[0030] A pin 56 extends through each leg and the lift arm 54,
thereby providing a pivotable or hinged connection between the lift
arm 54 and the clevis mount 50. Thus, the lift arm can pivot about
an axis that runs through the center of the pin which, in the
illustrated embodiment, is horizontal. The lift arm 54 is attached
to a bearing block 58 through any conventional fastening mechanism,
such as bolts.
[0031] The inner container 34 is similar to the container described
and illustrated in the '638 patent. Thus, no further discussion is
needed regarding the specifics of the container. A mounting pin or
axle 60 is mounted to and extends downward from the bottom of the
container 34, substantially in its center. The axle 60 is designed
to slide into at least one and, more preferably, two bearings 61
formed in a hole in the bearing block 58.
[0032] The bearings 61 are designed to provide initial location and
alignment of the container 34 relative to the drum. More
specifically, the goal of the axle 60 and bearings 61 is to provide
parallelism between the vertical axis of the container and the
vertical axis of the drum so that the contact between the container
34 and the drum 32 is substantially along a vertical line of
contact. This provides the most efficient mechanism for
transferring load during operation.
[0033] On of the primary benefits of the present invention is to
provide for reaction of the centrifugal loading principally (and
preferably almost entirely) through the interaction of contact
between the inner container 34 and the drum 32. This type of
support essentially removes all loading form the bearings that
support the container, thus allowing the container to withstand a
considerable higher amount of loading than would otherwise be
possible.
[0034] By providing initial parallelism between the vertical axes,
the bearings provide support only while the centrifugal loads are
less than loads due to the weight of the container (and contents).
Once the centrifugal loads are higher than these container loads,
the container support is transferred to the drum. However, if the
container axis and the drum axis are not aligned, there may be some
residual loading on the bearings since there is a slight pressure
angle. The present invention utilizes the bearings 61 and axle 60
to provide the initial alignment of the container 34 relative to
the drum 32.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4, 6A and 6B, the lid assembly 30
is designed to provide automated opening and closing of the
containers 34. The lid assembly 30 includes a plurality of lids 62
that are designed to mate with and substantially seal against the
open tops of the containers 34. Each lid 62 includes a cover plate
64 and a substantially conical seal 66. The conical taper of the
seal 66 assists in providing a good sealing surface between the
container 34 and the lid 62. The seal 66 is preferably made from a
resilient material, such as an elastomer (e.g., rubber), urethane
or foam, although other types of seal material may be used. It has
been found that the use of a softer rubber, such as 70 durometer
versus 95 durometer, works well at providing a tight seal and
allows for the incorporation of fairly tight tolerance bearings 61.
This results in a significantly quieter system.
[0036] The lid 62 is attached to a lift block 68 with a bolt or
other conventional fastener. A thrust bearings 69 are mounted in
the lift block 68 and receive the fastener. The thrust bearings 69
are designed to retain the lid 62 on the lift block 68, while
permitting the lid to rotate in combination with the container
34.
[0037] The lift block 68 is attached to the upper end of the lift
arm 54 though a hinge. As such, the lid 62 can be pivoted away from
the top of the container 34 as shown in FIG. 6B, thereby permitting
access to the interior of the container 34. The pivoting of the lid
away from the container 34 also permits the container 34 to be
removed and replaced relatively easily. Another benefit of the lid
assembly in the present invention is that the lift block 68 is
designed to force the lid 62 onto the container 34 during
operation. More specifically, by locating the hinge on the lift
block 68 at a point below the plane of the lift block 68, the
centrifugal or gyratory forces exerted on the lift block 68 during
operation tend to drive the lift block down onto the container.
This provides a significant safety advantage since, should the lid
or hinge break during operation, the lid will not fly off. Instead,
it will remain in place until the machine is turned off.
[0038] A lug 70 is formed on the lift block 68. As shown in the
figures, a gas spring 72 is pinned at one end to the lug 70. The
opposite end of the gas spring 72 is pinned to a lift plate 74. The
gas spring 72 is preferably an MCM 9416K14 and is designed to
provide for proper sealing of the lid 62 to the container 34 by
permitting a desired amount of preload to the applied when the lid
62 is closed. The preload forces the tapered seal 66 to seat
properly on the container. Also, because of the angular orientation
of the gas spring 72 relative to the container 34, and the fact
that the container 34 is hinged to its support, the gas spring 72
urges the container 34 into contact with the inner surface of the
drum 32. Thus, immediately upon closing the containers 34, the
containers 34 are in contact with the drum and, as a consequence,
operation of the machine produces immediate prolate cycloidic
motion of the parts within the container, maintaining the parts
away from the walls of the container 34.
[0039] The lift plate 74 is preferably disposed about an upper
portion of the drive shaft 36. In the illustrated embodiment, a
spline shaft 76 is attached to the upper end of the drive shaft and
extends upward through the lift plate 74. The lift plate 74 is
attached to the spline shaft 76 such that the lift plate 74 and
drive shaft 36 rotate in combination with one another. More
particularly, a splined linear bearing 78 is used to attach the
lift plate 74 to the spline shaft 76. The linear bearing 78 permits
the lift plate 74 to move vertically relative to the spline shaft
76, while at the same time transfers rotational motion from the
spline shaft 76 to the lift plate 74.
[0040] A lift mount 80 is attached to the lift plate 74. At least
one and more preferably a plurality of shafts 82 are attached at
one end to the lift mount 80. The shafts 82 are attached at their
opposite end to an upper lift plate 84 which, in turn, is attached
to a linear actuator 86. The linear actuator 86 is supported by the
frame structure 16.
[0041] In operation, activation of the linear actuator 86 drives
the shafts 82, and, thus, lift plate 74, upward and downward in
response to a command from a controller. The upward motion of the
actuator causes the lift plate 74 to pivot the lift block 78, thus
raising the lids 62 off the container 34. Conversely, downward
translation of the actuator drives the lift plate 74 and lift
blocks 68 downward, causing the lids 62 to close.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the drive assembly will now be
described. The drive assembly 28 includes a motor 90 which
rotatably drives one or more sprockets 92, 94, preferably through a
reducer 96. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 90 drives two
sprockets. The first sprocket 92 is used to rotate the outer drum
32 and the second sprocket 90 is used to rotate the containers 34.
If it is desired to not drive the outer drum 32, the first sprocket
need not be used.
[0043] It should be readily apparent that there are a variety of
devices and systems for transmitting torque from a motor shaft to a
drive shaft, such as gears, chain drives, and pulleys. Hence, the
sprocket system disclosed is simply one configuration that can be
used in the present invention.
[0044] The drive system includes a first belt 98 which is disposed
about the first sprocket 92 and a drum sprocket 100. The drum
sprocket 100 is splined or otherwise attached to the lower end of
the drum shaft 40 such that the drum sprocket 100 and drum shaft 40
rotate in combination. A belt tensioner 102 is positioned adjacent
to the belt 98. Belt tensioners are well known in the art for
providing tension in belt drive systems.
[0045] A second belt 104 is disposed about the second sprocket 94
and a container sprocket 106. The container sprocket 106 is splined
or otherwise attached to the lower end of the drive shaft 36 such
that the container sprocket 106 and drive shaft 36 rotate in
combination. A belt tensioner 108 is also positioned adjacent to
the belt 104.
[0046] The drive system is controlled in a similar manner as
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,355,638 and 5,848,929. According no
further discussion is needed. The sizes of the spockets are
selected so as to provide the desired relative speed between the
outer drum and the containers.
[0047] A controller 200 (shown in FIG. 1), such as a signal
processor, electronic or digital controller or other type of
control system, is used to control the motor's speed and direction
of rotation, as well as the actuation of the linear actuator for
lifting the lid assembly. Controllers are well known to those
skilled in the art and, therefore, no further discussion is
needed.
[0048] As described above and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,355,638, a
traction interface is preferably provided between a portion of the
container 34 and the inner surface of the outer drum 32. The
traction surface causes the container to roll along the inside
surface of the drum, thereby imparting rotational motion to the
container. The traction surface also transfers momentum from a
rotating outer drum to the container when the outer drum is
rotating at a different rotational speed and possibly in a
different direction than the rotational movement causing the
revolution of the inner container.
[0049] The traction surface eliminates the need for a complicated
gearing system or a separate belt for each container, resulting in
a simpler apparatus with reduced maintenance requirements relative
to the prior art. Use of the traction surface, also greatly reduces
overall vibration resulting in cooler and quieter operation as
compared with many prior art machines.
[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the traction surface 150 is
formed as a ring of resilient and relatively soft material having a
high coefficient of static friction, such as rubber or urethane.
The traction surface may have a range of compressibility, from soft
to rigid, depending on the application. The traction surfaces are
described in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,355,638 and 5,848,929.
According no further discussion is needed.
[0051] The present invention is designed to induce high centrifugal
and rotational forces on an object placed within the container. In
order to accommodate the high loading attendant to the present
invention, the containers and drum should be made from high
strength material, such as steel. The frame structure and drive
system must also be designed to accommodate the anticipated high
loads. Those skilled in the art would be readily capable for
selecting the appropriate materials to support the anticipated
speeds and loads associated with the present invention.
[0052] The high centrifugal and rotational force generated on an
object using the present invention can be used for fast and precise
processing, including finishing, resulting in a superior product
with enhanced properties. The high speeds that the present
invention is capable of inducing on abrasive media and products
contained within the container will result in cold plastic
deformation occurring on the surface of the products being
processed. Various objects can be processed using the present
invention including, but are not limited to, any of those products
identified in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,355,638 and 5,848,929.
[0053] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes
thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended
claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating
the scope of the invention.
* * * * *