Abstract: A jointed flexible drive shaft assembly is provided. The drive shaft has at least one flexible joint comprising a yoke connecting two drive shaft components together in a flexible manner which permits angular offsetting of the axis of rotation of one shaft component relative to the axis of rotation of another shaft component while a pilot and pilot bore cooperate to maintain the axes of rotation fixed against relative lateral offset a predetermined amount. The drive shaft assembly may be used on a test stand to couple a driving element with a driven element thereby reducing the need for a precision alignment between the driving and driven elements.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for automatically testing automotive components for one or more operating parameters. At least one operating parameter dependent variable is sensed and the data collected regarding the values of the operating parameter are transmitted to a data processing system. The data processing system compares the measured data to pre-programmed operating data that will determine a pass/fail decision for the machine element. The dependent variable data are compared to a predetermined set of values as determined by a pass envelope defined between a set of maximum values and a set of minimum values which can be illustrated as curves for an operating cycle of the machine element. The data processing system can determine, as correlated to an independent variable, whether or not the values are acceptable for the dependent variable.

Abstract: A method of testing engines by evaluating operating parameters as dependent variables as a function of a respective independent variable. A failure rate is established for at least some of the operating parameters as judged against pass/fail specifications. A test sequence for operating parameters is established prioritizing at least one high failure rate operating parameter in the test sequence.

Abstract: A jointed flexible drive shaft assembly is provided. The drive shaft has at least one flexible joint comprising a yoke connecting two drive shaft components together in a flexible manner which permits angular offsetting of the axis of rotation of one shaft component relative to the axis of rotation of another shaft component while a pilot and pilot bore cooperate to maintain the axes of rotation fixed against relative lateral offset a predetermined amount. The drive shaft assembly may be used on a test stand to couple a driving element with a driven element thereby reducing the need for a precision alignment between the driving and driven elements.