Patent ID: 6957999
Filing Date: 2005-10-25
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
1. A vehicle wheel rim polisher comprising: a spindle including a mounting end for accepting a vehicle wheel rim, the spindle being drivable to rotate the mounting end about an axis of rotation, a polishing head support and movement mechanism including a polishing head connector for accepting a polishing head and the polishing head support and movement mechanism being moveable to move the polishing head connector at least substantially radially relative to, and substantially parallel with, the axis of rotation and an automation system including a function for accepting a radial inner position of the polishing head connector, a function for accepting a radial outer position for the polishing head connector and a position control system to maintain the polishing head connector in a selected position with reference to the surface over which polishing is occurring such that the polishing head connector maintains an operating force within a desired range, the force being that generated between any polishing head on the polishing head connector and a vehicle wheel rim, the position control system actuating to drive the polishing head connector in a direction having at least a component parallel to the axis of rotation to maintain the operating force at the polishing head connector within the desired range.