Patent ID: 7831327
Filing Date: 2010-11-09
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
1. In a tool in a machine, the tool including a pressurized chamber behind a yieldable, bulbous carrier for an abrasive layer which is moved against a surface of a work piece to be machined, the abrasive layer being forced against the surface so that a spot of the abrasive layer is retained in abrasive contact with the surface, a method for compensating for variations in a size of the spot during use of the tool, comprising the steps of: urging the bulbous carrier against the surface with an applied force calculated to produce the spot with a predetermined size; during operation of the tool, comparing an actual force between the bulbous carrier and the surface with the applied force; adjusting a distance between the tool and the surface to compensate for any difference between the actual force and the applied force, making the actual force and the applied force substantially equal; and wherein the comparing and adjusting steps are performed during a preliminary learning operation of the tool during which actual operation is simulated, a correction signal representing a sequence of distance adjustments being stored, the correction signal being applied as a driving signal for an actuator during actual operation and causing the actuator to change the distance between the tool and the surface so as to compensate for any differences between the actual force and the applied force.