Abstract: A retrofit kit and assembly for establishing closed loop water supply to a humidifier associated with a furnace. A reservoir defining housing is adapted to being mounted to an external location of the furnace. A fluid supply communicates to the housing and can include either of a float valve actuated city water inlet line or a water condensate line extending from the furnace. An outlet extends from a location of the housing to the humidifier. A return line extends from the humidifier to a further location of the housing. An overflow drain extends from another location of the housing and communicates any excess volume of water to a floor drain.

Abstract: A retrofit kit and assembly for establishing closed loop water supply to a humidifier associated with a furnace. A reservoir defining housing is adapted to being mounted to an external location of the furnace. A fluid supply communicates to the housing and can include either of a float valve actuated city water inlet line or a water condensate line extending from the furnace. An outlet extends from a location of the housing to the humidifier. A return line extends from the humidifier to a further location of the housing. An overflow drain extends from another location of the housing and communicates any excess volume of water to a floor drain.

Abstract: A method for lapping the gears of a gear set as well as a gear lapping system. The gear set generally includes a first gear in meshed engagement with a second gear, each of the first and second gears having a plurality of gear teeth each with drive and coast flank surfaces. The method includes the steps of lapping the gear set by rotating the first gear in a first direction while the first gear is in mesh with the second gear. The method further includes sensing the vibrations occurring in the gear mesh during rotation and controlling the step of lapping based on the sensed vibrations. The gear lapping system includes an automated lapping machine that is adapted to lap the gear set including a ring gear and a pinion gear. The automated lapping machine is adapted to lap the gear set by rotating at least one of the ring and pinion gears while in mesh, in the presence of a lapping compound, and while translating the gear mesh back and forth across the gear flank surfaces for a plurality of cycles.

Abstract: A rotationally balanced shaft assembly having a shaft and a bead of balancing material. The shaft has an axial length and an outer surface. The bead is adhered to the outer surface of the shaft and has a length that is greater than its width. The rotationally balanced shaft is also defined as having an initial imbalance angular position along the outer surface of the shaft with the bead being centered on the angular position along the length of the bead. The invention is also directed to a method of balancing a shaft using a balancing material applicator. The method includes the steps of determining an imbalance of the shaft, aligning the balance material applicator, and the angular position of the initial imbalance, and dispensing balancing material from the applicator while causing relative axial movement between the applicator and the shaft.

Abstract: A method of collecting test data for a gear set includes loading the gear set to a testing device having a first motor which is an input drive motor and a second motor which is an output drag motor, establishing a set-point torque value, running the drive motor at a fixed speed, measuring the output torque at the drag motor, comparing the output torque to the set-point torque, adjusting the input torque, repeating the steps of measuring the output torque at the second motor, comparing the output torque to the set-point torque, and adjusting the input torque until the output torque matches the set-point torque value, and collecting test data.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting drive line system imbalances in an automotive vehicle includes an angular position and speed sensor located at a preselected position spaced from, but associated with the drive shaft in non-contacting relationship therewith, the sensor generates a signal responsive to the speed and angular position of the drive shaft relative to the preselected reference point. The apparatus also includes at least one vibration sensor located at a preselected position, spaced from, but associated with, the drive line in non-contacting relationship therewith. The vibration sensor detects the drive line vibration and generates a signal responsive thereto. A signal analyzer receives the signals generated by the angular position and speed sensor as well as the vibration sensor and calculates any imbalance in the drive line system and presents counterweight and position parameters for correcting any system imbalance.

Abstract: A method and system for balancing an automotive vehicle driveline (10) after it has been installed into a vehicle (8). An impact hammer and a system analyzer (36) are used to determine a frequency response function at each end of a driveshaft (16). From this, a critical frequency of rotation is determined for the driveshaft (16) for that particular model of vehicle (8) and driveline (10). Each vehicle (8) that comes off of an assembly line can now have a balance test performed on it using accelerometers (44 and 46) and a phase angle measurement. Combining the measurement with the frequency response function, the imbalance of the driveline is determined and compared to a predetermined limit to determine if correction masses need to be added. If so, a determination of the amount of mass needed and the orientation is made.