Abstract: The invention provides a workpiece balancing and correction apparatus having separate modular stations. A measurement station provides balance measurement and correction auditing functions. A correction station provides material weight correction in one or two planes. A transfer module is designed to transport workpieces between the measurement module and the correction module and maintain the cycle speed of operation of the overall machine in keeping with constant activity at the slowest module.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved unbalance measuring machine wherein the drive member for imparting rotational forces to the workpiece has two distinct positions of engagement with the workpiece. A first position is used to maintain minimal contact with the workpiece and maintain a steady-state rotation of the workpiece. A second position is used to impart additional rotational forces to the workpiece for the purposes of accelerating, decelerating and indexing the workpiece.

Abstract: A workpiece support tool is disclosed for use with in providing an infinite variety of positions to receive and engage workpieces of differing shapes and sizes. The workpiece support tool provides precise support and positioning of the workpiece with respect to an operational centerline. The support tool includes a plurality of radially moving jaw members having support surfaces for supporting the inner circumference of the workpiece. The jaw members are expanded and contracted in solely radial movement through driving forces imparted by a position encoded servo drive motor.

Abstract: The invention is a method and a master machine of carrying out the method, for balancing and correct a workpiece at a single station. The correction apparatus is a material applicator and ultraviolet light source which is controlled by a microprocessor to supply metered amounts of viscous material to a workpiece at a desired location to cure an unbalance. The ultraviolet light source cures the viscous material into a solid deposit.

Abstract: A material metering apparatus is disclosed which extrudes highly viscous material from an orifice of a known diameter past two fiber optic sensors to initiate and terminate a timing sequence. Knowing the specific gravity of the material, the apparatus uses the timing sequence and known diameter of the orifice to calculate the weight of the material so extruded. The components of the material metering apparatus are removable to facilitate ease of cleaning the variation in the viscous material subject to extrusion.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of generating an electronic bobweight signal used to offset an unbalance signal before the unbalance signal is received at the input portion of the electronic circuitry of the unbalance detection system. The electronic bobweight signal and unbalance signal are matched in their phase angle and are each sampled a specified number of equally spaced times per revolution of the workpiece to provide accurate bobweighted unbalance data without the need for use of physical bobweights and their inherent disadvantages.

Abstract: A tire balance audit apparatus with an improved tire support tool is disclosed. The tire support tool utilizes a plurality of jaw members, each driven radially by a ball screw, to engage, center and level an unbalanced tire about the centerline of an unbalance measuring device. The tire is supported solely through engagement of the bead of the tire with the individual jaw members.

Abstract: An improved workpiece support tool is disclosed for use with a variety of workpieces. The support tool provides precise support and positioning of the workpiece with respect to an operational centerline during the balancing operation. The support tool includes a plurality of radially moving jaw members which are driven by an inverted cone-shaped drive member. The inverted cone-shaped drive member is moved along the axis of the support tool through driving forces imparted by a servo drive motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of generating an electronic bobweight signal used to offset an unbalanced signal before the unbalance signal is received at the input portion of the electronic circuitry of the unbalance detection system. The electronic bobweight signal and unbalance signal are matched in their phase angle and are each sampled a specified number of equally spaced times per revolution of the workpiece to provide accurate bobweighted unbalance data without the need for use of physical bobweights and their inherent disadvantages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the automatic balancing of workpiece having diverse surface geometry is disclosed. The balancing machine of the present invention provides for computer numerical controls in the balancing and material removal operations. The processes provide for alternative methods of material removal and further provides for the balancing operation to be self-calibrating and self-programming.

Abstract: A driveshaft fabricating apparatus is disclosed which achieves the functions of straightening, welding, straightening and balancing of a driveshaft workpiece without necessitating workpiece removal, reloading or otherwise disturbing the original set-up of the workpiece in the machine. The driveshaft fabricating apparatus includes a two-speed drive system, welding apparatus and electronic sensing apparatus for use in the balancing operation and the runout measurement operation. The driveshaft fabricating apparatus also includes a press assembly positioned for use in the straightening operation. During the straightening operation the workpiece is supported solely by the press assembly.

Abstract: A hard static balancing machine is disclosed. A pivot pin member is mounted at the top of a stationary support member. A workpiece support assembly is pivotally mounted on the pivot pin member. A force transmitting member extends downwardly from the workpiece support assembly adjacent said stationary support member. Force rods are attached to the depending transmitting member and extend completely through the stationary support member. A load cell assembly is attached to each of the force rods for measuring workpiece displacement and for applying a restoring force to each of said force rods.

Abstract: A driveshaft rebuilding machine for installing an end piece on a driveshaft tube is disclosed. Self-centering clamps engage and center the tube and maintain radial positioning of the tube. A fixture mounts an end piece in precise alignment with the tube. A cylinder ram extends to press-fit the end piece on the tube. During pressing, the clamps and tube are free to move longitudinally as a unit until reaching a stop position but are prevented from moving radially.

Abstract: A drill press mounting apparatus for use on a balancing machine having a longitudinally extending machine bed is disclosed. The drill press assembly is comprised of a first longitudinally extending guide path defined adjacent the machine bed and a second longitudinally extending guide path defined adjacent the machine bed parallel to the first guide path. A drill press is mounted for movement along the first and second guide paths and a friction stop is operatively connected between the drill press and the machine bed. The friction stop retards movement of the drill press with respect to the machine bed upon commencement of drill press operations.

Abstract: A vertical static balancer incorporating novel methods for workpiece support and pivoting, restoring force spring placement, and means for transmission of motion and force therebetween. A single-element flexure pivot provides workpiece support while permitting near frictionless tilting movement around a vertical axis. Restoring force springs, separate from the pivoting function, are interchangeable to readily alter machine capacity. A rigid tubular member transmits unbalance effects from the workpiece to springs and displacement transducers attached thereto. Simplified electrical circuitry enables data to be transmitted from panel controls to a digital computer by means of a single conductor.

Abstract: A hard bearing cradle balancing machine involving novel elements for workpiece support and end thrust restraint, angle of unbalance indication and machine mounted drill press slide. "V" block bearings incorporating independently tilting pads provide uniform journal contact without torsional restraint that would otherwise result from workpiece misalignment. A device magnetically attached to the end of the workpiece maintains axial positioning thereof and communicates rotational position and speed information to an electronic vibration analyzer, as well as rotational reference information to the machine operator. A balancer mounted drill press slide freely traverses the workpiece axis, locking up only upon application of drilling pressure at any point thereon.