Appeal No. 2002-0049 Page 6
Application No. 09/317,538
Dombrowski's invention relates generally to edge contouring tools, and more
particularly, to a piloted deburring tool used in combination with an industrial
manipulator for automatically deburring precision metal parts. Dombrowski teaches
(column 5, lines 47-64) that the robotic edge contouring system described in the patent
"produces an extremely accurate chamfer (±0.002 in.) about the perimeter of precision
aircraft engine parts, however, the system can be used to debur or edge finish simple or
complex parts for various end uses."
In the Background of the Invention (columns 1-2), Dombrowski teaches
[b]urr formation is an unavoidable consequence of every conventional
material removal process. Burrs are fragments of built-up edge left on a
workpiece edge during metal cutting. Some ways in which burrs can be formed
include plastic deformation of the workpiece, tearing of metal chips from the
workpiece, and stock separation in advance of completion of the cutting
operation.
. . .
In the past, most deburring was performed manually due to the high
degree of dexterity the procedure requires. Manual deburring has proved to be
an expensive, labor intensive, monotonous, time consuming job which produces
an inconsistent finished surface. More recently, deburring tools have been
coupled with industrial robots in an attempt to improve product quality and
increase production.
Deburring is a micromachining process which is extremely difficult for a
robot to perform due to the high degree of flexibility and dexterity required.
Several automated edge contouring or deburring systems have been designed to
debur precision machined parts. The simplest systems comprise a grinding tool
secured to a robot arm, while more sophisticated systems may include computer
controlled robot systems, force sensors and feedback control schemes.
. . .
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