Abrasive-liquid polishing and compensating nozzle

A method of polishing an existing glass surface;

• comprising the steps of:
• applying a high pressure abrasive fluid through a nozzle exit to the glass surface;
• and
• constraining the fluid between the nozzle exit and the surface for directing the fluid at high velocity sufficiently substantially tangential to the glass surface such that only polishing and not curing of the glass occurs.

Apparatus using an abrasive liquid under pressure for improving surface finish;

• said apparatus comprising:
• a nozzle extension for directing the abrasive liquid against a surface to improve the finish of the surface;
• a nozzle body defining a passage for delivering the abrasive liquid under pressure to said nozzle extension;
• means coupling said nozzle extension and said nozzle body for automatically balancing axial forces on said nozzle extension by permitting relative movement between said extension and said body in response to said forces;
• the nozzle extension including a first end received in said nozzle body in communication with said passage, and a second end for positioning adjacent the surface, and wherein said coupling means permits axial movement of said nozzle extension relative to said nozzle body to balance said axial forces including forces at said first and second ends;
• and
• means for applying back pressure to said nozzle extension for regulating the force at the second end by balancing differences in said forces at said first and second ends.

Apparatus using an abrasive liquid under pressure for improving surface finish;

• said apparatus comprising;
• a nozzle extension for directing the abrasive liquid against a surface to improve the finish of the surface;
• a nozzle body defining a passage for delivering the abrasive liquid under pressure to said nozzle extension;
• means coupling said nozzle extension and said nozzle body for automatically balancing axial forces on said nozzle extension by permitting relative movement between said extension and said body in response to said forces;
• the nozzle extension including a first end received in said nozzle body in communication with said passage, and a second end for positioning adjacent the surface, and wherein said coupling means permits axial movement of said nozzle extension relative to said nozzle body to balance said axial forces including forces at said first and second ends;
• and
• a seal between said nozzle extension and said nozzle body, said seal establishing frictional forces restraining said axial movement.