Grinding apparatus

A tool support device according to any preceding claim wherein the primary carriage includes a plate like body mounted to a support suture for rotation about an axis of rotation.

A tool support device according to any preceding claim wherein when in the assembled position, the drive shaft of the motor is operatively connected to one of the contact wheels so as to generally co-axial therewith, this contact wheel causing movement of the abrasive belt over the other working tool assemblies.

A tool support device according to any preceding claim further including a platen operatively connected to the primary carriage body in a position between the mounting zones, the platen being arranged adjacent the abrasive belt when in use for use in flat grinding operations.

A tool support device according to any preceding claim wherein the secondary carriage includes a carriage body which is mounted for rotation on the primary carnage at one or two of the mounting zones so that it can adopt a plurality of operative positions, the carriage body including a hub section and three sets of generally radially extending mounting arms each set of mounting arms being adapted to support a respective contact wheel.

A tool support device according to any preceding claim further including a locking assembly for releasably holding the primary support carriage in a selected one of its operating positions, the locking assembly including a mounting plate having a plurality of locating recesses therein, the mounting plate being attached to the housing of the motor, a detent operatively connected to the carriage through an adjustment arm, the detent being adapted to cooperate with the locating recesses to hold the age relative to the motor in one of a selected number of operating positions, and a spring arranged to urge the detent into engagement with a selected one of the locating recesses.

A tool support device according to any preceding claim wherein at least some of the tool assemblies are operatively mounted to the primary carriage by means of adjustable generally conical shaped mounting pivots.

A tool support device according to any preceding claim further including a belt tensioning device which includes a lever and slot assembly which causes movement of tool assembly relative to the support carriage to thereby relieve or apply a tension to the belt.

A tool support device according to any preceding claim further including a tracking adjustment mechanism for correcting the tracking of the belt on the various tool assemblies, the mechanism including an axle assembly operatively mounted to a support carriage, the assembly including an axle upon which a contact wheel is mounted for rotation, the axle including opposed end bearings one of which provides for at least limited pivotal movement of the axle, the other bearing including an eccentric thereon which is operable by a lever so that rotation of the eccentric causes pivotal movement of the axle in the other bearing thereby adjusting the position of the axle relative to the support carriage.

A tool support device according to any preceding claim further including a safety shield located at at least one of said mounting zones said safety shield including a mounting portion for the shield to the primary carriage for swinging movement between a first position in which the shield shroud overlies the mounting zone and retracted position in which it is spaced from the work zone.

A tracking adjustment mechanism for correcting the tracking of a belt on a belt drive assembly, the mechanism including an axle assembly operatively mounted to a support, the assembly including an axle upon which a contact wheel is mounted for rotation, the axle including opposed end bearings one of which provides for at least limited pivotal movement of the axle, the other bearing including an eccentric thereon which is operable by a lever so that rotation of the eccentric causes pivotal movement of the axle in the other bearing thereby adjusting the position of the axle relative to the support carriage.