Patent ID: 6220940
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
A micro-finishing apparatus for micro-finishing a cylindrical workpiece that has a substantially uniform diameter and a longitudinal axis, the apparatus comprising:a regulating mechanism having a planar contact surface for rotating the workpiece about said longitudinal axis, the regulating mechanism moving the contact surface in a forward direction at a substantially constant speed;a micro-finishing drive mechanism for advancing a non-continuous abrasive belt over a planar grinding work face at a speed no greater than two inches per minute which is substantially less than the speed of the contact surface, the abrasive belt having a width, the planar grinding work face being positioned between at least two spools substantially parallel to and forming an opening with the planar contact surface of the regulating mechanism; anda guide bar passing through the opening between the planar contact surface of the regulating mechanism and the planar grinding work face of the micro-finishing drive mechanism, the guide bar being at an angle that traverses upstream relative to the forward moving contact surface of the regulating mechanism so that the workpiece rests against the guide bar as said workpiece traverses the width of the abrasive belt during the micro-finishing operation.