Abstract: A workpiece centering gauge for a grinding machine includes a link having a first pivot configured to couple with the grinding machine; a first encoder that measures an angle of the link at the first pivot; a second pivot included with the link; a measuring fork configured to releasably contact an outer surface of an elongated workpiece; a surface feeler, having a transducer, included with the measuring fork that measures a workpiece diameter a second encoder that measures an angular position of the link relative to the measuring fork; the angular position measured by the first encoder, the angular position measured by the second encoder, and a measured workpiece diameter are used to determine a deviation of the elongated workpiece from a centerline.

Abstract: A grinding machine including one or more grinding wheels has a workpiece holder that releasably holds a crankshaft and is configured to rotate the crankshaft about a longitudinal axis; a spindle assembly, that is moveable in at least two directions, including a spindle shaft and a grinding wheel attached to the spindle shaft; and an acoustic emission sensor coupled to the grinding machine, such that the grinding machine is configured to monitor an output signal from the acoustic emission sensor, move the grinding wheel into contact with the crankshaft at a first angular position, detect contact between the grinding wheel and the crankshaft based on the output signal, determine a position of the grinding wheel based on the detected contact between the grinding wheel and the crankshaft, move the grinding wheel away from the crankshaft, rotate the crankshaft a defined angular amount, move the grinding wheel into contact with the crankshaft at a second angular position, determine a position of the grinding wheel

Abstract: A high efficiency grinding machine for grinding the pin on a crankshaft has a machining space with a grinding wheel mounted on the lower end of an arm to form a pendulum assembly. A headstock supports the crankshaft in the machining space. A pivot drive rocks the pendulum assembly back and forth equal distances about the equilibrium position causing the grinding wheel to follow the non-circular path of a pin as the crankshaft as it is rotated about its elongated axis.

Abstract: A grinding machine including one or more grinding wheels has a workpiece holder that releasably holds a crankshaft and is configured to rotate the crankshaft about a longitudinal axis; a spindle assembly, that is moveable in at least two directions, including a spindle shaft and a grinding wheel attached to the spindle shaft; and an acoustic emission sensor coupled to the grinding machine, such that the grinding machine is configured to monitor an output signal from the acoustic emission sensor, move the grinding wheel into contact with the crankshaft at a first angular position, detect contact between the grinding wheel and the crankshaft based on the output signal, determine a position of the grinding wheel based on the detected contact between the grinding wheel and the crankshaft, move the grinding wheel away from the crankshaft, rotate the crankshaft a defined angular amount, move the grinding wheel into contact with the crankshaft at a second angular position, determine a position of the grinding wheel

Abstract: A high efficiency grinding machine for grinding the pin on a crankshaft has a machining space with a grinding wheel mounted on the lower end of an arm to form a pendulum assembly. A headstock supports the crankshaft in the machining space. A pivot drive rocks the pendulum assembly back and forth equal distances about the equilibrium position causing the grinding wheel to follow the non-circular path of a pin as the crankshaft as it is rotated about its elongated axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for grinding crankshafts or similar devices in which one of the crankpins of the crankshaft is machined and subsequent to this machine step, the actual dimension of the crankpin is measured. This measured value is compared to the projected value of the crankpin and the distance of travel of a grinding wheel in-feed is adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: A variable volume coolant system for delivering liquid coolant to the interface defined between a machine tool and a workpiece to be abraded to a desired size and curvature. A first conduit path is defined between a source of liquid coolant and a nozzle for delivering coolant to the gap defined between the machine tool and the workpiece; a second conduit path is also defined between the source of liquid coolant and the nozzle. A first valve, such as a solenoid valve, controls the flow of liquid coolant through the first conduit path, while a second valve performs the same function for the second conduit path. The first conduit path possesses a greater volume than the second conduit path. By selectively adjusting the first and second valves, a high volume flow of liquid coolant is maintained over most of the machining operation, while a greatly diminished, low volume flow is established toward the completion of the machining operation.

Abstract: A grinding machine utilizing multiple, parallel, endless, abrasive belts for simultaneously grinding several surfaces on a workpiece, such as cam lobes on a cam shaft. The grinding machine includes a contouring head assembly comprising a plurality of contour feed units, each contour unit including a curved back-up shoe, a back-up shoe holder, an adaptor for mounting the shoe holder, and a ball-spline mechanism is secured to the adaptor for transmitting power from a drive motor to the back-up shoe to press an abrasive belt, associated with the back-up shoe against a workpiece. A locating lip is defined on each adaptor, and a reference pad is established on the contouring head assembly.The adapters are divided into an upper and lower row, and the locating lips are formed oversized. One row of lips is ground to a desired distance from the reference pad, and the other row of lips is then ground relative to the previously ground row of locating lips.

Abstract: A spindle, comprised of a spindle body and an indexing fixture, is configured to retain, and rotatingly drive, a crankshaft relative to a grinding tool, so that each pin on the crankshaft is ground with a high degree of precision. A locking mechanism, such as a pair of jaws with complementarily shaped teeth, is interposed between the spindle body and the indexing fixture. Pressure is applied to one side of the locking mechanism so that the jaws are normally engaged and the spindle body and the indexing fixture rotate as a unit. Motive power for such fixture is supplied by a single servomotor secured to a primary drive shaft, which is joined to a secondary drive shaft, through an offset coupling, to define a motorized spindle.The indexing fixture is bolted, or otherwise secured, to the free end of the secondary drive shaft. A bearing block in the indexing fixture receives and retains, the main shaft of the crankshaft; clamping arms with clamp shoes press the shaft downwardly into the bearing block.

Abstract: A grinding machine utilizing multiple, parallel, endless, abrasive belts for simultaneously grinding several surfaces on a workpiece, such as cam lobes on a cam shaft. The grinding machine includes a contouring head assembly comprising a plurality of contour feed units, each contour unit including a curved back-up shoe, a back-up shoe holder, an adaptor for mounting the shoe holder, and a ball-spline mechanism secured to the adaptor for transmitting power from a drive motor to the back-up shoe to press an abrasive belt, associated with the back-up shoe against a workpiece. A locating lip is defined on each adaptor, and a reference pad is established on the contouring head assembly.

Abstract: A method is provided for virtual machining which helps predict the accuracy of parts to be made on machine tools, allocates errors in design and manufacture of machine tools, and diagnoses the source of errors in machine tools. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method which calculates the "error shape" of a part being manufactured based upon the position, orientation, velocity and shape of the machine tool. The method predicts the statistical distribution of part size, form, and profile errors in a population of parts by superposing "error shapes." The machine errors are diagnosed by matching post process gauging data with a linear combination of "error shapes." The method predicts the magnitude and pattern of errors in a machined part, performs a simulation taking into account the geometry of the machine, the commanded machine motions as a function of time, error motions of the machine's components as a function of time, and the shape of the tool.

Abstract: A grinding machine provided with a spindle rotating under the influence of a cantilever mounted rare earth permanent magnet motor. Hydrostatic fluid film bearings are provided between the ends of the spindle and a bronze bearing to support the spindle in such a manner so as to eliminate wear. A single oil reservoir is used to supply oil to the hydrostatic bearings, as well as to the cooling jacket of the motor.

Abstract: A grinding machine utilizing multiple, parallel, endless, abrasive belts for simultaneously grinding several surfaces on a workpiece, such as cam lobes on a cam shaft. The grinding machine includes a contouring head assembly comprising a plurality of contour feed units, each contour unit including a curved back-up shoe, a back-up shoe holder, an adaptor for mounting the shoe holder, and a ball-spline mechanism is secured to the adaptor for transmitting power from a drive motor to the back-up shoe to press an abrasive belt, associated with the back-up shoe against a workpiece. A locating lip is defined on each adaptor, and a reference pad is established on the contouring head assembly.The adapters are divided into an upper and lower row, and the locating lips are formed oversized. One row of lips is ground to a desired distance from the reference pad, and the other row of lips is then ground relative to the previously ground row of locating lips.