Device for inspecting/finishing surfaces of a work piece

Abstract

A device and method for finishing a surface of a work piece. The device includes a finishing apparatus which cooperates with the surface of the work piece. A mounting member is provided which cooperates with the surface of the work piece to removably mount the device to the surface of the work piece. At least one support member extends between the mounting member and the finishing apparatus. The finishing apparatus is moveable relative to the mounting member to allow the finishing apparatus to perform a finishing operation on the surface of the work piece.

1 . A device for finishing a surface of a work piece, the device comprising:
 a finishing apparatus which cooperates with the surface of the work piece;   a mounting member which cooperates with the surface of the work piece to removably mount the device to the surface of the work piece;   at least one support member which extends between the mounting member and the finishing apparatus;   wherein the finishing apparatus is moveable relative to the mounting member to allow the finishing apparatus to perform a finishing operation on the surface of the work piece.   
     
     
         2 . The device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein a frame is provided, the frame having first support members, second support members and third support members, the first support members being connected to and extending from second support members, ends of the first support members engage the mounting member, the third support members being connected to and extending between respective second support members. 
     
     
         3 . The device as recited in  claim 2 , wherein a tooling platform is movably attached to the second support members, the tooling platform supporting the finishing apparatus. 
     
     
         4 . The device as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the finishing apparatus is a grinder. 
     
     
         5 . The device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the mounting member is mounted on the surface through the use of magnetics. 
     
     
         6 . The device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the mounting member is mounted on the surface through the use of a vacuum. 
     
     
         7 . The device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the mounting member has an endless movable track which has magnetic properties, thereby allowing he endless track and the device to move relative to the surface of the work piece. 
     
     
         8 . The device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one support member includes a first support member and a second support, the first support member is connected to the mounting member, the second support member is movable relative to the first support member. 
     
     
         9 . The device as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the at least one support member includes a third support member which extends from proximate an end of the second support member, the third support member having the finishing apparatus proximate one end of the third support member and a second mounting member proximate the opposed end of the third support member. 
     
     
         10 . The device as recited in  claim 9 , wherein a first movable member is provided between the first support member and the mounting member, the first movable member allowing the first support member to move in a rotational manner, a second movable member provided between the first support member and the mounting member, the second movable member allowing the first support member to move in a second direction relative to the mounting member. 
     
     
         11 . The device as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the second support member is mounted to the first support member by a third movable member which allows the second support member to move relative to the first support member. 
     
     
         12 . The device as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the third support member is mounted to the second support member by a fourth movable member which allows the third support member to move relative to the second support member. 
     
     
         13 . The device as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the third support member extends from and is movably connected to the second mounting member by a fifth movable member which is movable in a rotational direction. 
     
     
         14 . The device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein a second mounting member is provided, the second mounting member cooperates with the surface of the work piece to removably mount the device to the surface of the work piece. 
     
     
         15 . The device as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the second mounting member is mounted on the surface through the use of magnetics. 
     
     
         16 . The device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein sensors are provided to analyze the surface to determine where irregularities occur, thereby facilitating the placement of the device. 
     
     
         17 . The device as recited in  claim 16 , wherein a control unit uses the information provided by the sensors to position the device at an appropriate area on the surface of the work piece. 
     
     
         18 . A device for finishing a surface of a work piece, the device comprising:
 a finishing apparatus which cooperates with the surface of the work piece;   a first mounting member which cooperates with the surface of the work piece to removably mount the device to the surface of the work piece;   at least one support member extending between the first mounting member and the finishing apparatus;   sensors to analyze the surface to determine where irregularities occur; and   a control unit to position the device at an appropriate area on the surface of the work piece.   
     
     
         19 . The device as recited in  claim 18 , wherein a second mounting member is provided to cooperate with the surface of the work piece to removably mount the device to the surface of the work piece. 
     
     
         20 . A method of finishing a surface of a work piece, the method comprising:
 moving a device with a movable mounting member and a finishing apparatus into position proximate an obstacle;   extending support members of the device with a second mounting member attached thereto over the obstacle while maintaining the movable mounting member in contact with the surface;   adjusting the second mounting member to allow second mounting member to be placed in contact with the surface of the work piece;   removably mounting the second mounting member to the surface;   releasing the movable mounting member from the surface;   retracting the support members toward the second mounting member, thereby moving the movable mounting member over the obstacle;   removably mounting the movable mounting member on the surface;   releasing the second mounting member from the surface;   engaging the finishing apparatus to finish the surface.