Abstract: A tire testing assembly adapted to provide precise displacements and simulate slow rate conditions, the tire testing assembly including: a support structure adapted to be coupled to a tire under test; a ground plane adapted to contact the tire under test and simulate a ground or road surface; and a lateral translation mechanism movably coupled between the support structure and the tire under test and adapted to translate the tire under test laterally relative to the ground plane. The tire testing assembly also includes a steering frame pivotably coupled between the support structure and the tire under test and adapted to pivot the tire under test about a steer axis of rotation relative to the ground plane. The tire testing assembly further includes a longitudinal translation mechanism movably coupled between the support structure and the tire under test and adapted to translate the tire under test longitudinally relative to the ground plane.

Abstract: A tailstock assembly includes a housing, a torque cell supported on the housing and configured to measure loads in a first load range, and a load cell supported on the housing and configured to measure loads in a second load range that is different from the first load range. The tailstock assembly is configured so that the torque cell can be selectively mechanically isolated from the housing. In particular, the torque cell and the load cell are supported on the housing through a low friction bearing, and the tailstock assembly can be selectively switched between a first measurement mode in which the torque cell is fixed to the housing, and a second measurement mode in which the torque cell is mechanically isolated from housing via the bearing. The tailstock assembly may be used as part of a brake dynamometer for accurately measuring both active braking torques and residual drag torques.

Abstract: A tailstock assembly includes a housing, a torque cell supported on the housing and configured to measure loads in a first load range, and a load cell supported on the housing and configured to measure loads in a second load range that is different from the first load range. The tailstock assembly is configured so that the torque cell can be selectively mechanically isolated from the housing. In particular, the torque cell and the load cell are supported on the housing through a low friction bearing, and the tailstock assembly can be selectively switched between a first measurement mode in which the torque cell is fixed to the housing, and a second measurement mode in which the torque cell is mechanically isolated from housing via the bearing. The tailstock assembly may be used as part of a brake dynamometer for accurately measuring both active braking torques and residual drag torques.

Abstract: A wheel test assembly for testing a wheel-and-tire assembly includes a drum operatively mounted to a base for rotation of the drum. The drum includes an inner circumferential surface. A tailstock assembly is slidably coupled to the base for movement in a lateral direction relative to the drum. A support assembly is slidably coupled to the tailstock assembly for movement in a vertical direction for positioning the wheel-and-tire assembly into rolling contact with the inner circumferential surface of the drum. A spindle assembly is pivotally coupled to the support assembly to adjust a camber angle of the wheel-and-tire assembly. The wheel-and-tire assembly is mounted to the spindle assembly for rotation of the wheel-and-tire assembly.

Abstract: A wheel test assembly for testing a wheel-and-tire assembly includes a drum operatively mounted to a base for rotation of the drum. The drum includes an inner circumferential surface. A tailstock assembly is slidably coupled to the base for movement in a lateral direction relative to the drum. A support assembly is slidably coupled to the tailstock assembly for movement in a vertical direction for positioning the wheel-and-tire assembly into rolling contact with the inner circumferential surface of the drum. A spindle assembly is pivotally coupled to the support assembly to adjust a camber angle of the wheel-and-tire assembly. The wheel-and-tire assembly is mounted to the spindle assembly for rotation of the wheel-and-tire assembly.

Abstract: A method of testing a friction component for a transmission that has first and second parts. The first part of the friction component is attached to a drive shaft and the second part is attached to a grounding element. The first part of the friction component is rotated until the drive shaft and the first part of the friction component rotate at a target sliding speed Vtarget. An actuation force is applied to the friction component at a time t0. Operation of the motor drive is continued to maintain the speed of rotation of the drive shaft at Vtarget until a predetermined level of engagement torque Tth is obtained. The motor torque is then reduced to a predetermined level Tm. The sliding speed of the drive shaft is then decreased and the test is terminated when the sliding speed falls to zero.

Abstract: A method of testing a friction component for a transmission that has first and second parts. The first part of the friction component is attached to a drive shaft and the second part is attached to a grounding element. The first part of the friction component is rotated until the drive shaft and the first part of the friction component rotate at a target sliding speed Vtarget. An actuation force is applied to the friction component at a time t0. Operation of the motor drive is continued to maintain the speed of rotation of the drive shaft at Vtarget until a predetermined level of engagement torque Tth is obtained. The motor torque is then reduced to a predetermined level Tm. The sliding speed of the drive shaft is then decreased and the test is terminated when the sliding speed falls to zero.

Abstract: A stator coil lacing machine apparatus and method which enables the end windings of a stator to be bound together by lacing cord and which automatically ties a knot in the cord at the completion of the cycle to firmly secure the lacing cord in position. This method and apparatus reduces the direct labor necessary to produce the end windings and provides them in an automated and efficient manner. The lacing cord end securing knot is provided through a control system which actuates a lacing needle and cord supply tube which, with cord cutting hot wires and cord grasping jaws, interact to form a knot at the completion of the lacing cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved device for testing the compression, tension, or spring rate of a spring or other resilient material. The device is adapted to automatically display the load reading of a spring at a preselected height by merely compressing the spring past the check point. Alternatively, additional displays may be provided so that load readings at different height settings can be displayed with a single compression of the spring through all of the check points. In addition, the rate of a spring can be readily determined by setting two check points a unit distance apart and utilizing the load reading from the first check point to establish the reference level of the meter. The spring tester includes an electronic control circuit comprising a plurality of sample and hold circuits and a corresponding plurality of thumbwheel comparators.