AU2015201859B2 - Scratch removal device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A scratch removal tool, comprising: (a) a motor, wherein the motor is a DC brushless motor operable in the 5 range of about 4000 rpm to about 5000 rpm, inclusive, and power requirements in the range of about 6 amps to about 9 amps, inclusive; (b) a housing including a visual indicator of at least one of the motor rpm level and a power level of the motor, wherein the visual indicator includes a plurality of discrete lights arranged in a row, wherein the plurality of discrete lights include a 10 plurality of different colors, wherein the housing further includes an on/off switch, wherein the housing defines a recess, wherein the on/off switch is positioned in the recess; (c) a rotatable shaft operably coupled to the motor and movable in an axial direction along a length of the shaft; and 15 (d) a head assembly, including: i. a shroud member having an open end; ii. a pad member positioned within the shroud and mounted to the shaft, wherein rotation of the shaft rotates the pad member and axial movement of the shaft moves the pad member relative to the open end of the shroud; 20 iii, a slurry input in fluid communication with the pad member; iv. a slurry output in fluid communication with the pad member; and v. a seal member positioned at the open end of the shroud. Inr

Description

2015201859 15 Mar 2017

SCRATCH REMOVAL DEVICE AND METHOD

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and methods for removing scratches from smooth surfaces such as glass. 5 Background

Rotary tools are used to grind and polish glass to remove scratches and other damage from the surface of the glass. After processing the glass, such as windshields, it is desirable to leave the glass so the scratch or other damage is less visible and/or less likely to affect viewing through the glass. U.S. Patent Nos. 10 4,709,513 and 4,622,780 show various tools for use in polishing glass.

Further improvements are desired for the rotary tools and methods used to polish glass.

Summary

The invention provides a slurry cooling system adapted for use with a 15 scratch removal device, comprising: (a) an insulated housing member that defines a cavity, the cavity adapted to retain a volume of cooling material, wherein the exterior of the housing member has a cylindrical shape and at least a portion of the cavity has a cylindrical shape; and 2 0 (b) a slurry carrying member having a coil section having a cylindrically shaped portion positioned in the at least a portion of the cavity having the cylindrical shape, an inlet end, and an outlet end, at least a portion of the coil section being positioned in the cavity in engagement with the cooling material, and the inlet and outlet ends being positioned outside of the cavity and accessible 2 5 from an exterior of the housing member, and an interior lumen defined by the slurry carrying member being configured to retain a volume of slurry.

The invention also provides a scratch removal tool, comprising: (a) a motor; (b) a housing; 1 8837620_1 (GHMatters) P82916.AU.1 15/03/17 (c) a rotatable shaft operably coupled to the motor and movable in an axial direction along a length of the shaft, wherein the shaft is hollow and configured to pass a fluid therethrough; and 2015201859 15 Mar 2017 (d) ahead assembly, including: 5 i. a shroud member having an open end; ii. a pad member positioned within the shroud and mounted to the shaft, wherein rotation of the shaft rotates the pad member and axial movement of the shaft moves the pad member relative to the open end of the shroud; 10 ill. a slurry input in fluid communication with the pad member; iv. a slurry output in fluid communication with the pad member; and v. a seal member positioned at the open end of the shroud; (e) wherein the slurry input is positioned on the housing at an end of the tool opposite the open end of the shroud, the slurry output is positioned on the 15 shroud, and a vacuum release member is positioned at the slurry input; and further comprising a slurry cooling system including: (a) an insulated housing member that defines a cavity, the cavity adapted to retain a volume of cooling material, wherein the exterior of the housing member of the slurry cooling system has a cylindrical shape and at least a 2 0 portion of the cavity has a cylindrical shape; and (b) a slurry carrying member having a coil section ha ving a eylindricaliy shaped portion positioned in the at least a portion of the cavity having the cylindrical shape, an inlet end, and an outlet end, at least a portion of the coil section being positioned in the cavity in engagement with the cooling material, and 2 5 the inlet and outlet ends being positioned outside of the cavity and accessible from an exterior of the housing member, and an interior lumen defined by the slurry carrying member being configured to regain a volume of slurry.

The invention also provides a scratch removal tool, comprising: (a) a motor; 30 (b) a housing; la 8837620_1 (GHMatters) P82916.AU.1 15/03/17 (c) a rototable shaft operably coupled to the motor and movable in an axial direction along a length of the shaft, wherein the shaft is hollow and configured to pass a fluid therethrough; and 2015201859 15 Mar 2017 (d) a head assembly, including: 5 i. a shroud member having an open end; ii. a pad member positioned within the shroud and mounted to the shaft, wherein rotation of the shaft rotates the pad member and axial mo vement of the shaft moves the pad member relative to the open end of the shroud; 10 iii. a slurry input in fluid communication with the pad member; iv. a slurry output in fluid communication with the pad member; and v. a seal member positioned at the open end of the shroud; (e) wherein the slurry input is positioned on the housing at an end of the tool opposite the open end of the shroud, the slurry output is positioned on the 15 shroud, and a vacuum release member is positioned at the slurry input: and further comprising a slurry cooling system comprising: (a) an insulated housing member that defines a cavity, the cavity adapted to retain a volume of cooling material; (b) a slurry carrying member having a coil section, an inlet end, and an outlet 2 0 end, at least a portion of the coil section being positioned in the cavity in engagement with the cooling material, and the inlet and outlet ends being positioned outside fo the cavity and accessible from an exterior of the housing member, and an interior lumen defined by the slurry carrying member being configured to retain a volume of slurry; 2 5 (c) a thermo switch, the thermo switch being configured to monitor a temperature of the slurry entering the inlet end and create a bypass of the coil section if the slurry temperature is outside a predetermined range of temperatures.

The invention also provides a scratch removal tool, comprising: 30 (a) a motor; (b) a housing; lb 8 83 7 62 0_1 (GHMatters) P82916.AU.1 15/03/17 (c) a rotatable shaft operably coupled to the motor and movable in an axial direction along a length of the shaft, wherein the shaft is hollow and configured to pass a fluid therethrough; and 2015201859 15 Mar 2017 (d) a head assembly, including: 5 i. a shroud member having an open end; ii. a pad member positioned within the shroud and mounted to the shaft, wherein rotation of the shaft rotates the pad member and axial movement of the shaft moves the pad member relative to the open end of the shroud; 10 iii. a slurry input in fluid communication with the pad member; iv. a slurry output in fluid communication with the pad member; and v. a seal member positioned at the open end of the shroud; (e) wherein the slurry input is positioned on the housing at an end of the tool opposite the open end of the shroud, the slurry output is positioned on the 15 shroud, and a vacuum release member is positioned at the slurry input; further comprising a slurry cooling system comprising: (a) an insulated housing member that defines a cavity, the cavity adapted to retain a volume of cooling material; and (b) a slurry carrying member having a coil section, an inlet end, and an outlet 2 0 end, at least a portion of the coil section being positioned in the cavity in engagement with the cooling material, and the inlet and outlet ends being positioned outside of the cavity and accessible from an exterior of the housing member, and an interior lumen defined by the slurry carrying member being configured to retain a volume of slurry; and 2 5 further comprising a slurry pumping system, comprising: (a) a housing member that defines a cavity and an access opening, the cavity being adapted to retain a volume of slurry; (b) a housing lid removably mounted to the housing member and configured to seal closed the access opening; 30 (c) a pump mounted to the housing lid and positioned outside of the cavity; (d) a slurry input line having an open end in fluid communication with the volume of slurry; lc 8837620_1 (GHMatters) P82916.AU.1 15/03/17 (e) a slurry output line having an open end in fluid communication with the volume of slurry; and 2015201859 15 Mar 2017 (f) a control assembly configured to control operation of the pump thereby controlling a pressure condition in the slurry output line. 5 The invention also provides a slurry cooling system adapted for use with a scratch removal device, comprising: (a) an insulated housing member that defines a cavity, the cavity adapted to retain a volume of cooling material; (b) a slurry carrying member having a coil section, an inlet end, and an outlet 10 end, at least a portion of the coil section being positioned in the cavity in engagement with the cooling material, and the inlet and outlet ends being positioned outside of the cavity and accessible from an exterior of the housing member, and an interior lumen defined by the slurry carrying member being configured to retain a volume of slurry; 15 (c) a thermo switch, the thermo switch being configured to monitor a temperature of the slurry entering the inlet and create a bypass of the coil section if the slurry temperature is outside a predetermined range of temperatures.

The invention also provides a scratch removal system, comprising: 2 0 (a) a scratch removal tool, comprising: i. a motor; ii. a housing; iii. a rotatable shaft operably coupled to the motor, the shaft being movable in an axial direction along a length of the shaft; 25 iv. a head assembly, comprising: A. a shroud member having an open end; and B. a polishing pad member positioned within the shroud member and mounted to the shaft, wherein rotation of the shaft rotates the pad member, and axial movement of the shaft moves the pad 3 0 member relative to the open end of the shroud; v. a vacuum release positioned at a top of the housing in an opposite direction to the head assembly;

Id 8837620_1 (GHMatters) P82916.AU.1 15/03/17 (b) a slurry pumping system, comprising: 2015201859 15 Mar 2017 i. a pump; ii. a slurry reservoir configured to retain a supply of slurry; iii. a slurry feed line in fluid communication with a slurry input of the 5 scratch removal tool; iv. a slurry return line in fluid communication with a slurry output of the scratch removal tool; (c) a slurry cooling system coupled in fluid communication with the at least one of the slurry input line and the slurry output line, the slurry cooling system 10 being configured to alter a temperature of the supply of slurry; and (d) a controller configured to control at least some operations of the scratch removal tool, wherein the slurry cooling system comprises: (a) an insulated housing member that defines a cavity, the cavity adapted to 15 retain a volume of cooling material; and (b) a slurry carrying member having a coil section, an inlet end, and an outlet end, at least a portion of the coil section being positioned in the cavity in engagement with the cooling material, and the inlet and outlet ends being positioned outside of the cavity and accessible from an exterior of the 2 0 housing member, and an interior lumen defined by the slurry carrying member being configured to retain a volume of slurry.

The invention also provides a method of polishing a surface using a scratch removal system, the scratch removal system including a scratch removal tool and a slurry pumping system, the scratch removal tool including a housing, a shroud, a 2 5 motor, and a pad member, the method comprising a steps of: (a) providing a source of slurry to the scratch removal tool with the slurry pumping system; (b) forming a seal between the shroud and the surface to be polished; (c) passing the slurry through the scratch removal tool and into 3 0 engagement with the abrasive member; le 8837620_1 (GHMatters) P82916.AU.1 15/03/17 (d) rotating the abrasive member within the shroud using the motor; 2015201859 15 Mar 2017 (e) engaging the rotating abrasive member with the surface to be polished while maintaining the seal between the shroud and the surface to be polished to polish the surface; and 5 (f) providing a visual indicator of an amount of power being used by the motor, wherein the visual indicator includes a plurality of discrete lights, wherein the plurality of discrete lights includes at least three different colors.

The invention also provides a scratch removal tool, comprising: (a) a motor, wherein the motor is a DC brushless motor operable in the 10 range of about 4000 rpm to about 5000 rpm, inclusive, and power requirements in the range of about 6 amps to about 9 amps, inclusive; (b) a housing including a visual indicator of at least one of the motor rpm level and a power level of the motor, wherein the visual indicator includes a plurality of discrete lights arranged in a row, wherein the plurality of discrete lights 15 include a plurality of different colors, wherein the housing further includes an on/off switch, wherein the housing defines a recess, wherein the on/off switch is positioned in the recess; (c) a rotatable shaft operably coupled to the motor and movable in an axial direction along a length of the shaft; and 2 0 (d) a head assembly, including: i. a shroud member having an open end; ii. a pad member positioned within the shroud and mounted to the shaft, wherein rotation of the shaft rotates the pad member and axial movement of the shaft moves the pad member relative to the open end of the shroud; 2 5 iii. a slurry input in fluid communication with the pad member; iv. a slurry output in fluid communication with the pad member; and v. a seal member positioned at the open end of the shroud. Brief Description of the Drawings 3 0 Figure 1 is a side view of an example scratch removal system in accordance with the present disclosure.

If 8 83 7 62 0_1 (GHMatters) P82916.AU.1 15/03/17 2015201859 14 Apr 2015 5 10 15

Figured is a partial cross-sectional side view of the scratch removal system shown in Figure I, Figure 3 is a top view of portions of the scratch removal system shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a top Trie#of the scratch removal tool shown in Figure 1, Figure 5 is a bottom view of the scratch removal tool shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a eross-seetionai side view of the scratch removal tool and controller show's in Figure 1 taken along cross-sectional indicators 6-6 in Figure 4. Figure· 7 is a cross-sectional side view' of an alternative scratch removal tool configured as a finer tool having an orbital shaft. Figure 8 is a top plan; view of portions of the scratch removal tool shown in Figure 7,. Figure 9 is bottom plan view of portion s of the scratch removal tool shown·· in Figure 7.

Figure 10 is a perspective view' of another example slurry chiller system in accordance with the present disclosure. Figaro 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the slurry chiller system shown in Figure 10. 20 Detailed Description The present disclosure relates to a system that can be used for removing localized scratches in smooth surfaces, including surfaces that are contoured, such as windshields. Ihe system includes a scratch removal tool, a slurry pumping system and a controller, Ihs system can Optionally include a slurry 25 cooling System, The scratch removaltool includes a power driven, high speed rotating shaft that can drive a «tec^it^-ofj^c^pf'pOlishing pad. The pad is housedinside of a generally coniealshroad. A vacuum is supplied to the interior of fee shroud to hold the shroud onto the polishing snr&ce under vacuum force, The scratch removal tool also providesfor a flowof polishing slurry across a polishing 30 surface of the pad. The slurry pumping system provides the vacuum that holds the shroud in place. The slurry pumping system also promotes fee flow of the polishing siuny through the scratch removal tool. The controller controls some operations of 2 2015201859 14Apr2015 the system including the power supply and rpm (revolutions per tnmuie): of the scratch: removal tool motor; The slurry cooHftg: system can reduce the temperature of the slurry' provided to the Scratch removal tool.

The present disclosure relates to two separate: types of rotating 5 scratch; mmovai tools:: ;a polisher and a liner. Both types of tools can use a common housing and motor, hut use different pads and pad motmting stecaires'to provide unique rotary movement of the pad for each typ e of tool. A quick change Chuck can be used for interchanging: the pads or pad rttomiting siruotwres needed for each type of tool. Alternatively, a different shaft and associated pad and pad mounting; 10 structure

The finer configuration for the scratch removal tool includes an orbital pad arrangement that moves itt ati Orbital path within the shroud relative to the central axis of the drive shaft. In a "fining1* operation, the slurry is typically fed through a sidewall of tile shroud and is available for engagement with the polishing 15 surface of the pad. The type of pad, supply of slurry, and orbital motion of the pad; used in the finer configuration promoteremoval of large amounts of material from the surfaoe being worked in a relatively: short amount of time.

Tho ppiislihig eoniguration for the scratch removal tool provides rotation of the pad within the: shroud concentric vrith rotation of the shaft. Ip;a 2,0 "polishing" operation, the slurry' is typically provided down a core of the shaft to a centra! point on the polishing surface of the pad, The slurry moves radially outward from the central point of the polishing surface of the pad rmder centrifugal forces: created as the pad rotates . The polishing operation is typically a final step of a scratch removal process. 25 Mbotft operations, the scratch removal topi is capable of being moved laterally along the surface being polished as the pad rotates without breaking the vacuum seal between the shroud and the surface being polished. The engagement: of the pad with the surface being polished is controlled manually so that the tool can be gradually lowered: in a direction pei^endicular to the surface: being 30 polished as the tool is moving laterally so insure a smooth..transition from an unworked portion of the surface being polished to a polished portion of the surface being polished. 3 2015201859 14 Apr 2015 F®ther details related to the bperatiotl ajiti.;sttTtoture:of:jiiii.^atid polishing, configurations including various-pad constructions- for the scratch: removal system are described in U,S, Patent Nos, 4,(522,7805:4,709,513; and. 7,137,872, published patent lapplication US 2007/0077864, Md: pending patent application 5 Serial No. 111810,219, filed on June 5, 2007, .'titled; SCRATCH REMOVAL DEVICE AMSMETHOD, which disclosures are incorporated by reference.

Example Scratch Removal System ofFisatres 1-6

An example scratch removal system. 10 configured for a polishing :10 ioperation is now described with, reference to Figures 1-6. The system 10 includes a scratch removal tool 12, a slurry pumping system 14, a slurry chiller system 16, and a controller 18, The: system 10 is configured, as- a portable system that preferably can be easily handled, transported, and operated by a single operator. The tool 12, slurry' piatipitig system: 14, and slurry chiller system 16 are coupled together with a number 15 of quick eormect/diseonnect connectors that can provide easier assembly, disassembly and transportation of tire system 10. It is possible to operationally remove the slurry''chiller system: 16 from the system 10 by physically removing the slurry chiller system 16 from the return line of the shitty pumping system 14. Alternatively, a bypass valve can be used at the inlet and outlet to the slurry chiller 20 system 16 to provide bypassing of the slurry chiller system: 15, as will be described in further detail below.

Polishing Scratch Removal Tool

The semteh removal tool 12 is configured as a polishing tool. The 25 scratch removal tool 12 is shown in side, top, bottom and cross-sectional views with reference to Figures 1-6. The; scratch removal tool 12 includes a housing 20, a motor 22, a shaft housing24, and ahead 26. A pair of control cables 28, 30 provide a source of power and provide electrical communication with the controller 18. A slurry input connector 32 is positioned on the housing 20. A slurry output connector 30 34 is positioned on the head 26. The scratch removal tool 12 further includes a lubricant nozzle 36 moused: on an; exterior of the head 26, and actuator assembly 38 having an actuation lever 39and a shaft bracket 41, and a drive shaft 52 defining an internal slurry bore S3, 4 2015201859 14 Apr 2015

The housing 20 includes an Gn/Off switch .14, a recess 56 within which the switch 54 is positioned, and a plurality of LEDs 58 (see Figures 3,5 and 7), The Or^Oif switch 54 is positioned on a top surface 21 of the housing (see Figure 5). iMtsmadvdy, the OnOff switch 54 can be positioned on other surfaces 5 of the housing 20, Positioning the Qn/Off switch 34 in the recess 56 helps protect the switch 54 from inadvertent activation by the operator.

The LEDs 58 are msible fiord the top sur&ce 21 of the housing 20.

In this arrangement, nine LEDs are shown arranged linearly and supported on a printed circuit board (PCS) 5P within tire housing 20. The LEDs 58 are viewable 10 through a window 61 in the housing tap surface 21. The LEDs 58 can be replaced with any visual indicators generally that could be used to conanunicatc information to the operator about operation ofthe topi 12. Some example visual indicators include dials, gauges, digital displays and other analog and digital visual indicators.

Inone example arrangement of the LEDs 58, each LED can represent 15 a different operational feature of the system 10. For example, illumination of one of the LEDs can represent the OreGff status of the tool 12, while another LED can represent the Qn/Off status of the: slurry pumping system 14, Other of the LEDs can represent the rpmsi df the motor 22, While: still further LEDs can represent the amp level ofthe, motor 22, Other LEDs can represent a vacuum pressure condition 20 within the tool 12:br:ths slurry pumpingaystern 14.

The LEDs 58 can have different colors to communicate further inibwiatiomabout the status of' these or other operations and features of the system 10. For example, a series of LEDs can be dedicated to illustrating the amp level Of the motor 22, wherein at least one green LED indicates safe operation of the rhetor, 25 at least one yellow LED indicates operation of the motor dose to a maximum amp level, and. at least one red LBDindicafes operation of the motor beyond a maximum amp level.

One or more LEDs can be used in combination with different: types of Visual indicators in other example atTangeinerits, For example, at least one LED can, 30 be used to show an Gn2Gff status of one or more features of the system 10 while: a digital display can show the amp level of the motor 22.

The LEDs 58 are shown mounted onthePCB 59 adjacent to the top surface 21 of the housingEO, in other arrangements, the LEDs can be positioned at 5 2015201859 14 Apr 2015 locations within the housing: 20 removed from the top surface:21 and a light piping structure vised to direct light generated by tire LEDs to any exterior surface of the housing 20. where: the directed:light can be visualized-by the Operator,

The. ffi.0tOi' 22 provides notation of the drive shaft 52 via & gear 5 assembly 23 (see Figure: 6), Preferably, the motor 22 provides rotation of tbe shaft 52 at a relatively high fate in the range of about 4,000 to about 6,:000 rpm for a polishing operation. Different rpms for the shaft 52 can he used for a fining operation versus a polishing operation. In one example polishing operation, the motor 22 provides rotation of the shaft 52 at about 4,5ftD rpms wh^i a loM is 1.0 applied to the pad (Le., the polishing pad is polishi ng the snrfaes being worked).

The motor 22 con be a brushless DC motor. Brushless DC motors eanmalntaiii a relatively constaffi rpm for the shaft 52 across a range of loads being applied to the motor· (is., amps being drawn by the motor) until a threshold load is met. After the threshold level is met, the rpms typically drop off significantly. In IS one example, the motor 22 is a brushless motor is a 1-1/8 HP brushless DC rated at 120 VAC at 1,000 Watts, The motor 22 can be current limited tor safe motor controller operation at, for example, a 9 amp maximum. When operating above 9 amps, the rpms will drop offrapidly indicating maximum power has been reached. The motor 22 can maintain a 4,500 rpm rotation, of the shaft 52 within the operating 20 range of about 6 to about 9 amps. Above the level of about 9 amps, the rpms of the shaft typically will reduce: significantly, A brushless motor can offer greater efficiency and longevity for the size of motor preferred: for the scratch removal: tools described herein (®·δ·>a 3*1/4 inch diameter by 5 inch long housing). Typically, a brushless motor of this 25 preferred size can produce up to about 60% more torque at a given rpm than alternative universal, wound motors. The brushless motor can have a life of up to about 10,000 hours of operation as: compared to about 500 hours of operatinglife for tire alternative universal wound motor,

The controller 18 helps control operation of the motor· 22, For 30 example, the controller 18 cim monitor and control, for example, .the' power being supplied, the load applied to the motor, the rpms of the motor, and other aspects Of the motor operation, and then provide automated control of :the: motor 22, The controller can help maintain a predetermined tpma of :the motor through a range of o 2015201859 14 Apr 2015 power (e.g,, amps) being drawn by the motor (i.e., through a range of loads applied to the motor).

The sontraller 18 cast include a plurality of settings manually set by tire operator. For example, the controller 18 can be activated in a low rpm setting 5 wherein a predetermined ipm :fe maintained by the motor 22 over a range of'ampe,

Likewise, a high rprn setting: can be maiiuaiiy set at the controller 18 to provide a higher rprn for the motor 22-over-a given range of amps, or a variable setting for manually adjusting the rptns oftfee motor to any desired level. Such high and low settings can correspond to fining versus polishing operations for the system 10. 10 Visual indicators da the tool 12 fo.g., LEDs 58) can visually indicate an rpm setting of the controller 18, Other settihp for the controller 18 can be possible such as, for example, the range of amps for each rprn setting {i.e., lower and upper threshold loadsedmgs to he applied for safo operation of the motor 22 for a given rprn setting, 15 The controller 1.8. pan includes a number of components that are not illustrated. For example, the controller 18 can include a power PC board and a controller board. The power board converts a 120 VAC input to an appropriate DC voltage for operation of the motor. The eentfoller board can function like a central processing1 unit that controls the motor rpm, voltage, amperage at the programmed 20 levels. In one: arrangement, the controller IS controls the motor 22 using Hall elements placed inside: the: motor on the field windings that sense a position and rpm of iitomotor 22 and sends the signals back to the controller 18 where any adjurtinentelaramade to 'maintain a given rpm, to stop or start the motor, or to change or limit the rpm of the motor. 25 The shaft housing 24 interconnects the housing 20 and the hsad 26. M some arrangemeht, the shaft housing 24 can be integral with the housing 20, in other arrangements, foe ihaft bousing 24 can be a separate piece from tlto housing SO, In other arrangements, the shaft housing 24 can bedntegral with the head 26, Altemativeiyj the head 26, or at least portions of the head 26 can be removably 30 coupled to the shaft housing 24. The assembly of foe housing 20, shaft housing 24, and head 26 provide an enclosure within winch foe shaft:52, gear assembly 23 and someofthe electronics (mg., LEDs 58) can be positioned. Various portions of the internal cavities defined by the housing 20, shaft housing 24 and head 26 can be 2015201859 14 Apr 2015 fluid or air sealed from each Other to reduce the possibility of contamination and hazard.

The head 2d includes a shroud 46, apad48, and an edge seal 50 (see Figured), The shroud 46 has a generally cordoal shape. In other arrangsments. the 5 shroud, 46 can have different shapes and sizes. The conical shape of the shroud 46 helps direct the slurry toward the surface d that is being treated.

The pad 48 includes a center opening 54, a plurality of fluid channels 56, and a plurality Of additional recesses 57. The center opening 54 is eoupledin fluid. canmiuucatieiriM^ of the shah 52. The fluid channels 56 and 10 recesses 5 7 are d «fined in a polishing surface 49 of the pad 48 that faces the surface 2 that is being treated.. St operation, slurry is provided through: the core 53 of the shaft 52 via the slurry input coiihector 32^ and through the center ©pemrig 54 of the pad to the polishing surface 49 of the pad. Centrifugal force is provided by rotation of the pad 48 to force the slurry: along The fluid channels 56 in a radially outward 15 direction. Various: configurations of the pad are described in at least ITS , Patent No. 7,137,872 and published patent application US 2007/0077864.

The edge seal 50 is provided around a periphery edge of the shroud 46. The edge seal 50 helps contain the slurry*'rvilhin the shroud 46 during operation. The edge seal .50 is most effective in helping retain the slurry when avacuum 20 condition exists within the shroud 46, thereby providing a fluid tight seal between theshfOud 46 and the surface 2. When the vacuum pressure condition within the shroud is released via, for example, the vacuum release member 42, it becsomes mere difficult to retain the slurry within the Shroud 46. The: edge seal 50 comprises a. material 'that, when lubricated by lubricant supplied via lubricant nozzle 36, will 23 slide .across surface 2 in the direction X winleinaintaining the vacuum pressure condition within the shroud 46 during operation of the scratch removal tool 12.

The slurry input connector 32 fo positioned at the top surface 21 of toe housing 20, The coitneetor 32 can include a quick connect disconnect connector 40. A vacuum release member 42 can also be positioned attrie connector 32. The 30 slurry input connector 32 provides flow communication to any slurry pumping system 14 and the i rite mat bore 53 of the drive shaft S2 (see Figure 6).

Positioning the vacuum release member 42 on the top of the tool 12 can provide easier access to Cue release member 42 by the· operator. The 8 2015201859 14 Apr 2015 configuration: and. positioning of the release member 42 cam also be more reliable because it isdess likely to get bumped open or leak, When .the Vacuum release valve; 42 Ig: actuated, it stops any further slurry from eniermg flie tool: 12, because the vacuum ttolpfl'getis acting on the slurry held in the tool 1:2. The release of the 5 vacuum allows the slurry output eomjector 34 on the sliroiid 46 to aspirate the remaining slurry in: the shroud 46 backio the slurry pumping: system.

The slurry output connector 34 is positioned on the shroud 46 of the head 26, The output connector 34 is coupled to a raium line of the slurry-pumping: syateift;:14. The output connector 34 is in floweornxnunication with a supply of 10 slurry positioned within the head 26 that has been used dimng the polishing or fining process. The output connector 34 dan also include a quick cohnecVdiscoruiect connector 44 to aid in releasable connection with the return line of the slurry pumping system 14,

The' lubricant nozzle 36 is typically coupled to a supply of liquid I S: lubricant (not shown). The operator can feed the supply of lubricant through the lubricant nozzle 36 onto the surface· 2 being treated by the scratch removal tool 12, The lubricant supplied by the lubricant nozzle 3 6 promotes easier movement of the tool 12 along the surface 2 in 'the'^ direction X (^ie Figure 1), An example lubricant is sold under the name ofGLASS GLEAM™, a product marketed byTitan .20 Laboratories of Denver, CO. Preferably, the lubricant used is compatible with the shttry so as not to affect: the performance of the sluxx>' that is being circulated through the system 10,

Control of the flow of the lubricant from the lubricant: nozzle can vary' depending on the needs of the system. In one example, an On/Off switch for 25 the lubricant is provided remote from the scratch removal tool 12, Further, the lubricant can be supplied to: the lubricant nozzle 36 at all times, The scratch removal tool 12 istumed on via the Gh/Off switch 54, The lubricant ηόζζΐή 36 has an output opening that is preferably positioned directly adjaeenito the :surface,2, However, in other arrangatnents the: output opening of the lubricant nozzle 36 can be positioned 30 spaced further from the surface 2, For example, the lubricant: nozzle 36 can be mounted to the shaft: housing 24 so as to be spaced further from the surface 2.

The actuator assembly 38 can include a lever 39 (see Figure 1) and a shaft bracket 41 (see Figured), Actuation of the actuator, assembly Sdmoves the 9 2015201859 14 Apr 2015 shaft 52 in the direction Y (see Figure 6) :½ engage and disengage the polishing or fining pad with the surface 2, The actuator assembly 38 can be adapted to maintain, a given:p osition relative to the surface 2 until manually released or otherwise moved' from that positicuh.

The Slurry Pumping System

Referring to Figures 143, the sfonypmnping system 14 includes a pump 70, a housing body 72, a housing lid 74, feed and return lines '76, 78, a handle 80, a power supply 82, a pressure regulator 84, a meter 86, and a mixing member 88. 10 A feed line 76 has an open inlet and positioned within thereservoir 73 in fluid commumearion with the supply of slurry 77 (see Figure 2) held in the reservoir 73. The feed lin&76 is also in flow cormnumeation with the pump 70, wherein the pump 70 provides a force that draws the slurry through an opca cnd 75 ofthc feed line 76 to thcscratch removal too! 12, A return line 78 extends from the 15 scratch removal tool 12 to an open end 79 of the return line 78 that is positioned within thereservoir 73v The retisrn line 78 is also ffi ftowoommunicaiion with an aspirator 88 that is positioned adjacent a bottom surface of the reservoir 73. The aspirator 88 helps generate the vacuum pressure condition in tbs system 10. In one exampl e!, the aspirator generates a vacuum condition of about 25 indi es of Mercury, 20 with the vacuum pressure Condition available to the scratch removal tool is about 15 inches of Mercury when taking into account system pressure losses, The aspirator 88 also provides mixing of the slurry supply by agitating the slurry to maintain sol ids in the slurry supply 77 in suspension, Thppump: 70 thus provides a vacuum force for moving thOiSlurry to and from the scratch removal;tool 12, and also: agitates 25: the slurry in the reservoir 73, A handle 80 can be mounted to lhe housing body 70 to provide easier transportation of tins slurry pumping system 14:. A power: supply 82 is coupled to the pump 70 to power the pump 70 independent: of operation of the scratch removal tool 12. A vacuum regulator 84 can be usedtohelp regulate the vacuum pressure: 30 applied fey the pump 70, The vacuum;regulator 84 cap fee any analog, digital, manual or electronic device. The vacusmi regulator 84 Is coupled in air flow: communication with a vacuum bleed 85 that:is open to atenosphere outside ofthc reservoir 73 . The slurry pumping system 14 can further include a meter 86. The 10 2015201859 14 Apr 2015 meter 86 can provide feedback to the operator related to, for example, the vacuum pressure: condition in oneor both of the .feed and return lines 76,78, indicate alevel Of file slurry simply in tbs reservoir 7¾ or indicate a: pressure condition within the reservoir 73 itself Mxdtiplemeters 86 pan be used as necessary to monitor and, 5 provid e feedback: of various features and Amotions of the slurry pumping system 14.

The pump 70 can be art air cooled pump, in one example, &e pump 70 provides a vacuums pressure of about 25 to about 27 inches of Mercury -when there feed and return Mass 76, 78 are sealed closed. In operation, the pressure regulator 84 can be adjusted to the desired setting of about 10 inch of Mercury for 10 polishing and abut 7 inches of Mercury for fining, Positioning the pump 70 outside of the reservoir 73 physically separated from the supply of slurry' 77 makes it possible to transfer any heat generated by the pump 70 to the environment surrounding the siuny pumping system 14 rather than to the supply of slurry 77 itself. This physical separation of the pump 70 from the Slurry supply helps 15: maintain a lower operating temperature for the slurry supply. Positioning the pump 76 outside of die reservoir 73 also permits the use of a larger sized, greater horsepower, and possibly more efficient pump than thpse pumps that could be used within the:reseryoi" 73. The importance of maintaining a certain operating temperatuxd: of the slurry supply is discussed in further detail below. 20 The slimy pumping system 14 cm be configured with no moving 3>arts within the reservoir 73. The fiow of the slurry supply 77 into; and out of the reservoir 73 can provide the desired agitation of the slurry supply 77; Avoiding moving parts in the reservoir 73 can help avoid the additional of fufiher heat into the supply of slurry 77. 25 The Slurry Chiller System A slurry chiller system 16 can be used in the scratch removal system 10 to mairdain tlie sluny supply provided to: 1h^ scratch removal tool 12 below a predetermined temperature, The slurry chiller system 16.18 shown operatively c$upM:|?i r^fijirte 78 Of the slurry pumping system 14. The slurry chiller 3 0 system 16 melntles a housing body 90 and a housing lid 92 that together define & reservoir 91. A coil 94 is positioned within the reservoir 91, All inlet connector 96 and outlet connecter 98 (see Figure 1); are coupled to opposing inlet and outlet ends Of the coil 94. With this configuration, heated slurry leaving ihescratch removal 11 2015201859 14 Apr 2015 tool 12 via the slurry output connector 34 passes through thecoil, which is positioned within file reservoir 91 and then out of the slurry chiller system 16 via the outlet connector :98.

While the heated slurry is within the coil 94s the slurry can he cooled 5 if the coil 94 has a temperature less than the temperature of the slurry, The coil 94 esm be cooled by removing heat from the coils via convection or conduction. In a convection cooling arrangement (not shown) a flow of cooled air (i.e., air having a temperature less than the temperature of the heated slmry passing through the coil 94) is moved across the enter surfaces of the coil 94, In a conduction cooling 10 system, the outer surfaces of the coil s 94 axe brought in contact with a liquid or solid that has a ternperatare less than the temperature of the heated slurry.

Figure2 illustrates the reservoir 91 filled with a cooling material 106 such as, &f Maniple, ice, an ice and water Mixture, or other liquid and solid particles that are at a low temp erature stats. In the case of using ice as the cooling material 15 106, the ice fends to coot the coil 94, thereby cooling the heated slurry that passes within the eoii 94, Tims,shitty exiting the slunry chiller system 16 via the outlet connector 98 has a lower temperature than the sltirry entering the chiller system 16 via the inlet connector 96,

The slurry chiller system 16 is operable to reduce the operating 20 temperature of the slurry without the use of any mechanical or electrical parts, The Method: Of cooling the slurry using the slurry chiller system 16 can be defined as a passive cooling system in that no external power source ox power requirement is needed in order to provide the desired heat exchange* After the cooling material 106 has been reduced to a liquid form, the cooling material 106 can be removed fromThe 25 reserVoif 91 via a dram 1.00. Alternatively, the housing Kd 92 can be removed and the cooling material 106 dumped out of the housing body 90 via the open top end,

The slurry chiller system 16 can include a bypass structure 102 (see Figure I), The bypass 102 can be manually or automatically actuated to bypass the coil..94, In one example, the bypass (or thermo switch) 102 operates as a thermo 30 activated switch. When the temperature of the. slurry entering vi athe connector 96 is above a predetermined temperature (e.g,s about 95 to 100 degrees F) the switch remains open so that the slurry can pass through the coil and back out of the outlet connector 98. When the thermo switch 102 detects a temperature of the incoming 12 2015201859 14 Apr 2015 slurry the connector 96 below the predetermined temperature, fee thermo switch 102 closes, thereby bypassing fee coil and channeling fee slurry directly to fee outlet connector 98.

The thermo switch 102 can alternatively include a thermostat (not 5 shown) feat can be monitored by the operator and fee thermo switch manually activated to provide bypass of fee coil 94, In still further arrangements, the bypass 102 may merely include s hypass valve that is manually activated by the operator at my given ume as detennmed: by other parameters (e.g., a tefeperaUire of fee slurry supply held in reservoir 73 of fee slurry pumping system 14, or a temperature 10 reading of the slurry at the slurry input or slurry output 32, 34, respectively of the scratch removal tool 12.

The housing body 90 and housing lid 92 of the slurry chiller system 16 can include insulated material that helps maintain fee temperature of the cooling material 106. In one example, the housing body 90 and housing lid 92 are defined 15 by a one to five gallon feennos-type or water cooler-type structure having insulated side walls. Such a pre-fbrmed prodne: with a removablelid could be easily modified to include opening through which fee input and output ends of the coil 94 can extend for positioning of the coil 94 within the reservoir 91. .Maintaining: the slurry supply provided to fee scratch removal too! 12 20 within a predetermined range of temperatures (e ,g,, about 80 to about 95 degrees F) can have advantages related to performance of the scratch removal tool 12 in removing scratches; Or otherdefonnations on Ore surface 2 to fee polish, Likewise, a slimy supply having1 a temperature, below· a predetermined level (e.g., below 80 degrees F) can affect fee performance of the scratch removal tool 12, 25 While fee above description directed to fee slurry chiller system 16 emphasizes maintairang the slurry supply below a predetermined temperature, other configurations may be possible to increase fee operating iemperalure of the slurry supply if the slurry supply has a temperature below a predetermined level. In one example configuration, fee reservoir 91 of the slurry chiller system 16 can be filled 30 with a heated material fs,g,, hot water or a heated gel): feat is used to Increase the 'temperature of the slurry· supply, In one scenario, witch the scratch rampva! system 10 is being used in cold ambient conditions (e.g., less than 50 degrees For colder) the slurry supply held in fee reservoir 73 of the.slurry pumping; system 14imay.be 13 2015201859 14 Apr 2015 well below the lowest preferred operating temperature for the slurry supply for the initial operation of the system 10 (e.g.f for the firsts to 30 minutes of use of the system 10}, 1st such a scenario, it may he helpful to initially heat the sluny supply using a healed material in the reservoir 91. 5 The bypass 102 could be configured .to change fiom heating the

slurry' supply using the slurry chiller system 16, to a configuration in which the shiny chiller system 16 is bypassed. The&ermo switch described above; could be set fora predetermined minimum temperature (e.g,, less than 70 oh80 degrees F) bf the slUriy supply supplied at the connector 96 as well as a maximum; threshold 10 temperature condition (e.g„ 95 to 100 degrees F), Many other ranges of preferred operating temperatures for the slurry' supply, including maximum Mdmmimutn temperatures, are possible depending on other aspects of the: system 10, One example operating temperature range is about 80 tmaheui95 degrees R

The coil 94 of the slurry chiller system 16 can have many different 15 constructions. In one example the coil S4 includes at least one 360° rotation within the reservoir 91. In other example, the coil 94 includes: a serpentine shaped portion (not shown) or other shaped portions besides the coil shape: illustrated, Portions of the coil 94 can be embedded in Walls of the housing body 90, The coil 94 canfoe permanently mounted to the housing body 90 or be removably mounted relative to 20 the housing body 90. The coil 94 can be constructed of an elongate lube having a circuiar cross-section, Alternatively, the coil 94 can havre other sonstmctiOfis and cross-sectional shapes.

The coil defines a fluid path along which the supply of slurry travels. The length of this fluid path can significantly increase the total fluid path defined 25 between the slurry pumping system 14 and the scratch removal tool 12, which is otherwise primarily defined by the feed and return lines 76,78, 'This increased fluid path length typically tends to increase the total amouirt of time required for the vacuum pressure provided by the slpry pumping system14 to stabilize in the system 10 after creation of a vacuum seal around the edge seal SO of the shroud 46, 3 0 One potential benefit ofIncreasing the fluid path length- is that it becomes «bore difficult to lose the vacuum pressure condition in the system 10 if the vacuum seal around the edge seal SO of the shroud 46 i s inadvertently momentarily broken. 14 2015201859 14 Apr 2015 30

An alternative construction for a slwry chiller system 116 is: shown ^with reference to Figures : 10-11, The slurry chiller system 116 includes a housing body 190 defining a reservoir 191. The housing body 190 defines abolloweore 194 having an: open upper end 195 and a closed lower end 197, Aa fillet connector 196 5 is positioned at an upper end along one side of the housing 190, and an outlet: connector 198 is positioned at a lower end along an opposing side of the hpiisiflg 199. A cooling material (hot shown) can be held within the: hollow core 194 fry cool the housing body 199. A supply of slurry passing through the reservoir 191 is cooled by the housing'190 as slurry travels from, the inlet 196 to the outlet 198. The: ID slurry chiller system. 116 can include a handle, a lid, baffle members: within the reservoir 191 .(none pf which are shown) and other features that promote heat transfer, usability, transportability and other characteristics: of the slurry chiller system lid.

The siuffly chiller systerp 16,116 do not require an externa! power 15 source or any moving parts. A slurry chilling system that does not require an external power source or any moving parts can have advantages related to durability, few operation costs, easy portability, and simplified operation and use. In are configuration in which a thermo switch or valve is used with the slurry chiller system, such a switch care be configured to operate using battery power, thus 2Θ eliminating the need fer farther AC power coids m the system 10. Alternatively, AC power can he provided from the scratch removal tool 12,112, the slurry pumping system 14, the controller 18, or another power source. usteia of Figures 7-9 Figures 7-9 illustrate a scratch removal system 100 whereir. the scratch removal tool 112 is configured as a fining scratch removal tool. The scratch removal tool 112 inchides many of the same· or similar features as described above with refferenee to Figures 1-6. The finer scratch removal tool 112 includes an orbital shaft'-^liaw^jm-c^^.teKsket 68 mounted thereto, A fining pad 66 is ifiousted to the orbital: bracket 68. The orbital shaft 64 rotates about a shaft axis A, and the fining pad 66 rotates about apad aids B thatis offset a distance C from the shaft axis A. The distance C can vary as the fining pad 66 rotates about the shaft axis A, The resulting orbital motion of the fitting pad 66 is different from the coaxial rotation 15 2015201859 14 Apr 2015 motion of the pad 48 and siaaft 52 of tlte polishing scratch removal tool 12 described above. Aspects of a finer scratch removal tool having an orbital shaft and fining pad are described with reference to U,S, Patent Nos, 4.709.513 and 4,(522,780 mentioned above. S The finer scratch removal tool 112 further includes a slurry inlet •connector 62 positioned ©n the shroud: 46 and an. outlet slorryconnector 34 also positioned dfl. the shroud 46, A fining operation does not require a center feed for the sluny through the fining pad 66. For a fining:process, it is sufficient to provide a supply of slurry within the shroud 46 (hat engages at least a portion of the: fining pad 10 66 during its orbital path of motion. While the-use of a drive shaft having a hollow central borpi through which a slurry supply is fed (e.g., shaft 52) is not required For the fining scratch removal topll: 12. such a shaft and type of slurry supply could still be used with the finer scratch removal tool 11,2.

The use of a common hollow core shaft for the fining and polishing 15 tools shown in Figures 1-9 could provide the use of the same tool 12 for both fining and polishing operations toy merely changing the type of polishing pad and pad mountihg for a given operation.

The shroud 46 used for the scratch removal tools 12,112 shown in Figures 6 and 7 can have the same shape, sine and sealing features. Further, the 20 drive shaft used for both, of the scratch remo val tools 1:2,112- eun be the same such that replacement of the pad 4S, 66 cottld be performed in combination with or without changing the slurry input Connector from the top end of the tool 12 (see Figure 6) to the shroud (see Figure 7) to change fee scratch removal fool ftom S polishing tool to a fining tool. A quick release or other type o f bracket or connector 25 could be used to exchange the pads 48r 66 with each other. A vacuum release valve (not shown in Figures 7-9) could be mounted to the shroud. 4S adjacent the inlet connector 96 using, for example, aT-fitdng. One side of the T-fitting would mount the oonnector 96 while the opposite side of the TV fitting would mount the vacuum release inember. 30 The finer scratch removal tool 112 is. shown without the LEDs $$ shown wife reference to tool 12, Some fining operations do not require significant torque, and thus require a relatively low and stable mPpTeqUirehient, Therefore·, providing a visual indication of the amp level of the motor 22 to the operator to Ϊ6· 2015201859 14 Apr 2015 ensure the maximum safe operating amp level is not exceeded can be less important for a fining operation than for a potidung; operation. However* the finer scratch removal tool 112 can include visual indicators, such as LEDs, that provide a visual indication of other functions of the tool 112 such as ths: .fimcti ons and indicators . $ described above with reference to tool 12 and LEDs 58.

Conclusion and Other Considerations

The scratch removal tools 12,112 described herein for use in polishing and fining operations can be used with: pads and slurries that include· or are 10 void of abrasive Materials;: fit one example polishing aMahgemeiM an abrasive filled pad is used in combination with .an abrasive slurry, wherein the concentration of abrasive in the pad and slurry ;are optimized for polishing whatever material that defines the surface being polished. One example abrasive Material is Cerium Oxide. An example polishing simry includes a concentration of Cerium Oxide to water of 1 f about 5 ounces per gallon. In an example fining operation, about 11-1/2 ounces of Cerium Oxide are used per gallon of waterm combination with a abrasive pad, in: other arrangements, different combinations: ofiabrasive materials can be used. For example, an abrasive pad (he., a fixed abrasive) can be used with a hqn-abrasive slurry (e,g.s water), or a non-abrasiveflapping) pad can be used with an 20 abrasive slurry (i,e.s loose abrasive), The term ’slurry” as used herein can comprise Only a liquid base such as water, or a mixture of the liquid base and andn-soluble substances (e,g,,: loose abrasive particles):. While ;the temi ,,slurryr' is used· tb; describefhe pumping system 14, the duller system: 16, sxtd other aspects :of the system 10, the use of this term should not preclude the use of a liquid base such as 25 water withouta non-soluble substance in any part or function of the system. 1Θ,

The Cerium Oxide used in the pad and/slumy can have different purity and particle size, both characteristics of'which: can: affect the perforMiMee of the Cerium Oxide in leave the glass with an acceptable sheen. In one example, a 1? micron, particle size is used M the Slurry for: apre-fining operation that treats deep 30: scratches,and a 5 micron particle size; is lasedin the sluny offer a regular fining operation, 'Using at least two different fining1 processes* wherein each process uses a different abrasive particle size, ean decrease the overall amount of time required for.&, fining operation· Mobs example, using a two-step fining: process using the 17 17 2015201859 14 Apr 2015 micron and 5 micron particle sizes noted above decreased the overall rime for the fining operation by about 40¾¾ as compared to a single step process in which a 9 micron particle size was used,

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a scratch removal 5 system that includes a scratch removal tool, a slurry pumping system, a controller* and a slurry cooling system, Thescratch removal tool includes a motor, a housing, a rotatable shaft, and-a head assembly. liis roiat^le shaft is opsrably coupled to the motor and.-movable in an axial direction along a length of the shaft. The head 'assembly· includes a shroud member having an open end, and a polishing pad lift member positioned within the shroud and mounted to the shaft; Rotation of the shaft rotates the pad member and axial movement of &e shaft moves the pad member relative to iftnopen end ofthe shroud, The sfery pumping system includes a pump, a slurry reservoir configured to retain a supply of slurry, a slurry feed line and a slurry return line. The slurry feed line is in fluid communication with a slurry I S input of the scratch removal tool. The slurry return line is in fluid communication, with a slurry output of the scratch removal tool. The slurry cooling system is coupled in fluid eommffiteatioxi with: the at least one of the siuiry input line or slurry output lirte to alter a temperature of the supply of slurcy. The controller is configured. to control at least sorae operations of the scratch: resnoval tool. 20 Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a slurry cooling system that includes an insulated housing member did aflurry caiTying:member,

The: insulated housing member defines: a cavity, W'hefein the cavity is adapted: to retain a volume of cooling material. The slurry carrying member includes a coil section, an Inlet end, and an outlet end. The coil section is positioned rathe cavity 25 in engagement with the cooling material. An inlet end and an outlet end of the coil section are positioned outside of the cavity and accessible from an exterior of the housing member. An interior lumen defined by the slurry carrying member is configured to retain a volume of slurry;: A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a scratch removal 30 tool that includes a motor, a housing, a rotatable shaft operably coupled to the motor and movable in mi axial direction along a length of the shaft, and ahead assembly. The head assembly includes a shroud member having an opm end, apad member, a slurry input, a slurry output, and a seal member. The pad member is positioned

IS 2015201859 14Apr2015 within the shroud and mounted to the shaft. Rotation of the shaft rotates the pad member, Axial movement of fee shaft moves the pad member reiative to the open end of fee shroud. The slurry input and slurry are in fluid CQtmuumcatiGn with fee pad member, The seal member is positioned at the open end of the shroud. The 5 motor can hea DC brushless motor operable in the range of 4000 to about 5000 :pm, inclusive, when drawing power in the range of 6 to 9 Amps, inclusive. A still further aspect of fee present disclosure relates to a slurry fBBffpmg system that includes a housing member, a housing lid, a pump, a shirry input line, a slurry output line, and a control assembly. The housing member defines IQ a cavity and includes an access opening. The cavity is adapted to retain a volume of slurry. The housing lid is removably mounted to the housing member arid configured to seal closedfee access opening. The pump is mounted to the housing lid and positioned outside of ths eayity. The slurry input line has an open end in fluid eommuni cation wife the volume of slurry. The slurry output line has an open 15 end in fluid communication with the volume of slurry. The control assembly is configured to control aperatioh of fee pump thereby controlling a pressure condition in the slurry output line.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of polishing a surface using a scratch removal system. The scratch removal system 20 includes· ascratch removal tool and a slurry pumping system. The scratch removal tool includes a housing, a shroud, a motor, and an pad member. The method includes fee steps of providing a source of slurry to fee scratch removal fool wife the siuiry pumping system, forming a seal between the shroud and fee surface to be polished^ and passing the slurry through the scratch removal tool and into 25 engagement with the abrasive member, The method can further include rotating the abrasive lUsmbeU vrfflHii the shroud using fee motor, engaging the rotating abrasive member wife the surface to be polished while maintaining the sea! between the shroud and the surface to be polished to polish the surface, and providing a visual indicator ofi^,jSa^CB®.ofpo^er.|i^g;^si:hy flic motor, The scratch removal 30 system can forfeer includes a shuty cooling system, wherein fee Slufry cooling system includes a housing that defines a cavity, a eoolmg material positioned in the cavity, and a slurry carrying member feat defines a slurry lumen. A portion of the slurry carrying member cart be positioned in the cavity and in engagement with the 19 Γ 2015201859 14Apr2015 cooling material. The method can further include passing slurry through the slurry lumen to alter a temperature of the slurry provided to the scratch removal tool, A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of polishing:a:surfaee using a scratch removal system. The scratch removal system 5 includes a scratch removal tool and a source of slurry'. The scratch removal tool includes: a housing, a shroud, a motor, and a plurality of pad members. The method includes mounting a first of the plurality of pad members to the scratch, removal tool, passing the slurry through the scratch removal tool and into engagement with the first, pad member, rotating the first pad member within the shroud using the .motor, and 10 engaging the rotating first pad member with the surface to be polished to polish the surface. The method further includes replacing the first pad member with a second of the plurality of pad members, passing the slurry through the scratch removal tool and into engagement with the second abrasive member, rotating the second abrasive member within the shroud using the motor, and engaging the rotating second abrasive 15 member with the surface to be polished to further polish the surface.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. 2 0 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i,e, to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence, or addition of further features in various 2 5 embodiments of the invention.

It is to be unders tood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country . 20

Claims (31)

1. THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

   1. A slurry cooling system adapted for use with a scratch removal device, comprising: (a) an insulated housing member that defines a cavity, the cavity adapted to retain a volume of cooling material, wherein the exterior of the housing member has a cylindrical shape and at least a portion of the cavity has a cylindrical shape; and (b) a slurry carrying member having a coil section having a cylindrically shaped portion positioned in the at least a portion of the cavity having the cylindrical shape, an inlet end, and an outlet end, at least a portion of the coil section being positioned in the cavity in engagement with the cooling material, and the inlet and outlet ends being positioned outside of the cavity and accessible from an exterior of the housing member, and an interior lumen defined by the slurry carrying member being configured to retain a volume of slurry.
2. 2. The slurry cooling system of claim 1, further comprising a thermo switch, the thermo switch being configured to monitor a temperature of the slurry entering the inlet and create a bypass of the coil section if the slurry temperature is outside a predetermined range of temperatures.
3. 3. The slurry cooling system of claim 2, wherein the pre-determined range of temperatures is about 80°F. to about 95°F., inclusive.
4. 4. A scratch removal tool, comprising: (a) a motor; (b) a housing; (c) a rotatable shaft operably coupled to the motor and movable in an axial direction along a length of the shaft, wherein the shaft is hollow and configured to pass a fluid therethrough; and (d) ahead assembly, including: i. a shroud member having an open end; ii. a pad member positioned within the shroud and .mounted to the shaft, wherein rotation of the shaft rotates the pad member and axial movement of the shaft moves the pad member relative to the open end of the shroud; iii. a slurry input in fluid communication with the pad member; iv. a slurry output in fluid communication with the pad member; and v. a seal member positioned at the open end of the shroud; (e) wherein the slurry input is positioned on the housing at an end of the tool, opposite the open end of the shroud, the slurry output is positioned on the shroud, and a vacuum release member is positioned at the slurry input; and further comprising a slurry cooling system including: (a) an insulated housing member that defines a cavity, the cavity adapted to retain a volume of cooling material, wherein the exterior of the housing member of the slurry cooling system has a cylindrical shape and at least a portion of the cavity has a cylindrical shape; and (b) a slurry carrying member having a coil section having a cylindrical!}'· shaped portion positioned in the at least a portion of the cavity having the cylindrical shape, an inlet end, and an outlet end, at least a portion of the coil section being positioned in the cavity in engagement with the cooling material, and the inlet and outlet ends being positioned outside of the cavity and accessible from an exterior of the housing member, and an interior lumen defined by the slurry carrying member being configured to regain a volume of slurry.
5. 5. The scratch removal tool of claim 4, further comprising a thermo switch, the thermo switch being configured to monitor a temperature of the slurry entering the inlet end and create a bypass of the coil section if the slurry temperature is outside a predetermined range of temperatures.
6. 6. The scratch removal tool of claim 5, wherein the predetermined range of temperatures is about 80°F. to about 95°F., inclusive.
7. 7. The scratch removal tool of any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising a slurry pumping system, comprising: (a) a housing member that defines a cavity and an access opening, the cavity being adapted to retain a volume slurry; (b) a housing lid removably mounted to the housing member and configured to seal closed the access opening; (c) a pump mounted to the housing lid and positioned outside of the cavity; (d) a slurry input line having an open end in fluid communication with the volume of slurry; (e) a slurry output line having an open end in fluid communication with the volume of slurry; and (f) a control assembly configured to control operation of the pump thereby controlling a pressure condition in the slurry output line.
8. 8. The scratch removal tool of claim 7, wherein the slurry pumping system further comprises a pressure regulator, the pressure regulator providing pressure condition information to the control assembly.
9. 9. The scratch removal tool of claim 7, wherein the slurry pumping system further comprises an aspirator, the aspirator being configured to generate a vacuum pressure condition in the housing member cavity.
10. 10. A scratch removal tool, comprising: (a) a motor; (b) a housing; (c) a rotatable shaft operably coupled to the motor and movable in an axial direction along a length of the shaft, wherein the shaft is hollow and configured to pass a fluid therethrough; and (d) a head assembly, including: i. a shroud member having an open end; ii. a pad member positioned within the shroud and mounted to the shaft, wherein rotation of the shaft rotates the pad member and axial movement of the shaft moves the pad member relative to the open end of the shroud; ill. a slurry input in fluid communication with the pad member: iv. a slurry output in fluid communication with the pad member; and v. a seal member positioned at the open end of the shroud; (e) wherein the slurry input is positioned on the housing at an end of the tool opposite the open end of the shroud, the slurry output is positioned on the shroud, and a vacuum release member is positioned at the slurry input; and further comprising a slurry cooling system comprising: (a) an insulated housing member that defines a cavity, the cavity adapted to retain a volume of cooling material; (b) a slurry carrying member having a coil section, an inlet end, and an outlet end, at least a portion of the coil section being positioned in the cavity in engagement with the cooling material, and the inlet and outlet ends being positioned outside of the cavity and accessible from an exterior of the housing member, and an interior lumen defined by the slurry carrying member being configured to retain a volume of slurry; (c) a thermo switch, the thermo switch being configured to monitor a temperature of the slurry entering the inlet end and create a bypass of the coil section if the slurry temperature is outside a predetermined range of temperatures.
11. 11. The scratch removal tool of claim 10, wherein the exterior of the housing member of the slurry cooling system has a cylindrical shape and at least a portion of the cavity has a cylindrical shape.
12. 12. The scratch removal tool of either claim 10 or 11, wherein the predetermined range of temperatures is about 80°F. to about 95°F., inclusive.
13. 13. The scratch removal tool of any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising a slurry pumping system, comprising: (a) a housing member that defines a cavity and an access opening, the cavity being adapted to retain a volume of the slurry; (b) a housing lid removably mounted to the housing member and configured to seal closed the access opening; (c) a pump mounted to the housing lid and positioned outside of the cavity; (d) a slurry input line having an open end in fluid communication with the volume of the slurry; (e) a slurry output line having an open end in fluid communication with the volume of the slurry; and (f) a control assembly configured to control operation of the pump thereby controlling a pressure condition in the slurry output line.
14. 14. The scratch removal tool of claim 13, wherein the slurry pumping system further comprises a pressure regulator, the pressure regulator providing pressure condition information to the control assembly.
15. 15. The scratch removal tool of claim 13, wherein the slurry pumping system further comprises an aspirator, the aspirator being configured to generate a vacuum pressure condition in the housing member cavity.
16. 16. A scratch removal tool, comprising: (a) a motor; (b) a housing; (c) a rotatable shaft operably coupled to the motor and movable in an axial direction along a length of the shaft, wherein the shaft is hollow and configured to pass a fluid therethrough; and (d) a head assembly, including: i. a shroud member having an open end; ii. a pad member positioned within the shroud and mounted to the shaft, wherein rotation of the shaft rotates the pad member and axial movement of the shaft moves the pad member relative to the open end of the shroud; iii. a slurry input in fluid communication with the pad member; iv. a slurry output in fluid communication with the pad member; and v. a seal member positioned at the open end of the shroud; (e) wherein the slurry input is positioned on the housing at an end of the tool opposite the open end of the shroud, the slurry output is positioned on the shroud, and a vacuum release member is positioned at the slurry input; further comprising a slurry cooling system comprising: (a) an insulated housing member that defines a cavity, the cavity adapted to retain a volume of cooling material; and (b) a slurry carrying member having a coil section, an inlet end, and an outlet end, at least a portion of the coil section being positioned in the cavity in engagement with the cooling material, and the inlet and outlet ends being positioned outside of the cavity and accessible from an exterior of the housing member, and an interior lumen defined by the slurry carrying member being configured to retain a volume of slurry; and further comprising a slurry pumping system, comprising: (a) a housing member that defines a cavity and an access opening, the cavity being adapted to retain a volume of slurry; (b) a housing lid removably mounted to the housing member and configured to seal closed the access opening; (c) a pump mounted to the housing lid and positioned outside of the cavity; (d) a slurry input line having an open end in fluid communication with the volume of slurry; (e) a slurry output line having an open end in fluid communication with the volume of slurry; and (f) a control assembly configured to control operation of the pump thereby controlling a pressure condition in the slurry output line.
17. 17. The scratch removal tool of claim 16, wherein the exterior of the housing member of the slurry cooling system has a cylindrical shape and at least a portion of the cavity has a cylindrical shape.
18. 18. The scratch removal tool of either claim 16 or 17, further comprising a thermo switch, the thermo switch being configured to monitor a temperature of the slurry entering the inlet end and create a bypass of the coil section if the slurry temperature is outside a predetermined range of temperatures.
19. 19. The scratch removal tool of claim 18, wherein the predetermined range of temperatures is about 80° F. to about 95° F., inclusive.
20. 20. The scratch removal tool of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the slurry pumping system further comprises a pressure regulator, the pressure regulator providing pressure condition information to the control assembly.
21. 21. The scratch removal tool of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the slurry pumping system further comprises an aspirator, the aspirator being configured to generate a vacuum pressure condition in the housing member cavity.
22. 22. A slurry cooling system adapted for use with a scratch removal device, comprising: (a) an insulated housing member that defines a cavity, the cavity adapted to retain a volume of cooling material; (b) a slurry carrying member having a coil section, an inlet end, and an outlet end, at least a portion of the coil section being positioned in the cavity in engagement with the cooling material, and the inlet and outlet ends being positioned outside of the cavity and accessible from an exterior of the housing member, and an interior lumen defined by the slurry carrying member being configured to retain a volume of slurry; (c) a thermo switch, the thermo switch being configured to monitor a temperature of the slurry entering the inlet and create a bypass of the coil section if the slurry temperature is outside a predetermined range of temperatures.
23. 23. The slurry cooling system of claim 22, wherein the exterior of the housing member has a cylindrical shape and at least a portion of the cavity has a cylindrical shape.
24. 24. The slurry cooling system of either claim 22 or 23, wherein the predetermined range of temperatures is about 80° F. to about 95° F., inclusive.
25. 25. A scratch removal system, comprising: (a) a scratch removal tool, comprising: i. a motor; ii. a housing; iii. a rotatable shaft operably coupled to the motor, the shaft being movable in an axial direction along a length of the shaft; iv. a head assembly, comprising: A. a shroud member having an open end; and B. a polishing pad member positioned within the shroud member and mounted to the shaft, wherein rotation of the shaft rotates the pad member, and axial movement of the shaft moves the pad member relative to the open end of the shroud; v. a vacuum release positioned at a top of the housing in an opposite direction to the head assembly; (b) a slurry pumping system, comprising: i. a pump; ii. a slurry reservoir configured to retain a supply of slurry; iii. a slurry feed line in fluid communication with a slurry input of the scratch removal tool; iv. a slurry return line in fluid communication with a slurry output of the scratch removal tool; (c) a slurry cooling system coupled in fluid communication with the at least one of the slurry input line and the slurry output line, the slurry cooling system being configured to alter a temperature of the supply of slurry; and (d) a controller configured to control at least some operations of the scratch removal tool, wherein the slurry cooling system comprises: (a) an insulated housing member that defines a cavity, the cavity adapted to retain a volume of cooling material; and (b) a slurry carrying member having a coil section, an inlet end, and an outlet end, at least a portion of the coil section being positioned in the cavity in engagement with the cooling material, and the inlet and outlet ends being positioned outside of the cavity and accessible from an exterior of the housing member, and an interior lumen defined by the slurry carrying member being configured to retain a volume of slurry.
26. 26. The scratch removal system of claim 25, wherein the coil section has a cylindrically shaped portion, wherein the exterior of the housing member of the slurry cooling system has a cylindrical shape and at least a portion of the cavity has a cylindrical shape for receipt of the cylindrically shaped portion of the coil section.
27. 27. The scratch removal system of claim 26, further comprising a thermo switch, the thermo switch being configured to monitor a temperature of the slurry entering the inlet end and create a bypass of the coil section if the slurry temperature is outside a predetermined range of temperatures.
28. 28. The scratch removal system of claim 27, wherein the predetermined range of temperatures is about 18°F. to about 95°F., inclusive.
29. 29. The scratch removal system of claim 26, wherein the slurry pumping system comprises: (a) a housing member that defines a cavity and an access opening, the cavity being adapted to retain a volume of slurry to form the slurry reservoir; (b) a housing lid removably mounted to the housing member and configured to seal closed the access opening; (c) the pump mounted to the housing lid and positioned outside of the cavity; (d) the slurry feed line having an open end in fluid communication with the volume of slurry; (e) the slurry return line having an open end in fluid communication with the volume of slurry; and (f) a control assembly configured to control operation of the pump thereby controlling a pressure condition in the slurry output line.
30. 30. The scratch removal system of claim 29, wherein the slurry pumping system further comprises a pressure regulator, the pressure regulator providing pressure condition information to the control assembly.
31. 31. The scratch removal system of claim 29, wherein the slurry pumping system further comprises an aspirator, the aspirator being configured to generate a vacuum pressure condition in the housing member cavity.