Apparatus for maintaining constant force between a finishing tool and a workpiece

Abstract

An apparatus for maintaining constant force engagement between a finishing tool and a workpiece. The apparatus includes a motor supported on a rotatable base. A tool holder coupled to the motor supports a finishing tool at as point offset from a rotational axis of the base. The apparatus further includes an actuator configured to rotate the base, whereby the finishing tool is caused to engage the workpiece with a constant and known force.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for maintaining constant force engagement between a finishing tool and a workpiece, the apparatus comprising: 
 a base mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation;    a motor supported on said base;    a tool holder operatively coupled to said motor and configured to receive the finishing tool and to support the finishing tool at a point offset from the rotational axis of said base, whereby the finishing tool is driven by said motor; and    an actuator coupled to said base and configured to rotate said base to engage the finishing tool against the workpiece at a constant force.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said actuator comprises a linear hydraulic cylinder.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said actuator comprises a linear pneumatic cylinder.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said actuator comprises a rotary pneumatic device.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said actuator comprises a rotary hydraulic device.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said actuator comprises a spring configured to apply a constant force to said base.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said actuator comprises a weight coupled to said base.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said actuator is operatively coupled to said base by a gear train.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said gear train comprises a rack gear and a pinion gear.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said gear train comprises a bull gear and a pinion gear.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein actuator is operatively coupled to said base by a cable.