Abstract: Machine and method for dynamically balancing rotatable shafts featuring positioning and welding equipment that is controlled by an electronic control unit that determines the imbalance of a rotating shaft and the amount of weight required at predetermined balance planes associated with misalignment joints of the shaft. The positioning and welding equipment is moved along a rail of the machine parallel with the shaft mounted therein into precision points and the welding gun moves into a welding position in which the shaft is griped by the welder and the correction weight is welded at the correction point on the shaft in the correction plane. In a second embodiment, balancing is achieved by removing calculated amount of materials at points on the shaft determined by the electronic control unit.

Abstract: Machine and method for dynamically balancing rotatable shafts featuring positioning and welding equipment that is controlled by an electronic control unit that determines the imbalance of a rotating shaft and the amount of weight required at predetermined balance planes associated with misalignment joints of the shaft. The positioning and welding equipment is moved along a rail of the machine parallel with the shaft mounted therein into precision points and the welding gun moves into a welding position in which the shaft is griped by the welder and the correction weight is welded at the correction point on the shaft in the correction plane. In a second embodiment, balancing is achieved by removing calculated amount of materials at points on the shaft determined by the electronic control unit.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel support device for use in a wheel alignment assembly including a floating plate assembly movably supported relative to the base upon which a vehicle is positioned. The floating plate assembly includes a pair of rollers disposed in a fixed non-parallel orientation with respect to each other. The floating plate assembly is movably positioned such that a vehicle wheel may be located between the pair of rollers to isolate the vehicle wheel from the base so as to stabilize all forces acting thereon and wherein the rollers rotate the wheel so that various wheel alignment parameters may be measured.

Abstract: A pneumatic apparatus to test an engine oil pump of the type designed to be driven by an end of the engine crankshaft. On a test stand, the pump is rotated by a driving mechanism while airflow is generated by the pump itself or while pressurized air is introduced. Air flow characteristics are measured and analyzed to determine acceptability of the pump.

Abstract: A quick connect and disconnect coupling assembly for coupling a dynamometer to an engine wherein the coupling assembly may be used for both automatic and manual transmission engines. The coupling assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart inertia actuated clamping arms which are pivotally attached to a drive member. One end of each clamping arm includes a gear section which is engageable with the engine ring gear and the other end of the clamping arm is operated on by a centrifugal mass assembly which is slidably attached to the drive member. Rotational movement of the drive member results in radial movement of the centrifugal mass assembly for applying a moment force on a respective clamping arm about its rotational axis. In order to prevent excessive clamping force when the engine speed increases, an abutment on the centrifugal mass assembly engages a stop on the drive member for bottoming or stopping the outward radial movement of the centrifugal mass assembly.