Abstract: An arrangement for driving a measuring spindle of a balancing machine has a friction wheel which is drivable by an electric motor and which can be brought into and out of a condition of driving relationship with the measuring spindle. The electric motor and the friction wheel form a motion unit supported movably about a mounting assembly which is disposed on the machine frame structure and which is arranged in displaced relationship with the axis of the rotor of the electric motor. A torque which is produced about the mounting assembly when the rotor of the electric motor is accelerated causes movement of the motion unit thereby to produce the driving connection between the friction wheel and the measuring spindle.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for determining the rotary angular position of a rotary member when measuring unbalance on the rotary member, during an unbalance measuring run the rotary member is twice sensed in the peripheral direction in a given succession in respect of time, resulting in the formation of first and second angle signals which are displaced in respect of time. The two signals are stored, having regard to their spacing in respect of time. The two signals are evaluated for rotating the rotary member, in dependence on the measured angular position of an unbalance, into a balancing position for carrying out a balancing operation on the rotary member.

Abstract: A process masks non-relevant measured values in an unbalance signal consisting of a large number of individual measured values and a circuit arrangement determines the unbalance of a rotatable object in at least one measuring plane with at least one oscillation transducer and one angle position pick-up for processing the unbalance measuring signal. A display device displays the unbalance in terms of position and magnitude and/or a processing device further processes the unbalance, in order for a system based on fuzzy logic to take into account any unexpected interferences during the formation of the unbalance measured value. In the case of greatly deviating individual measured values, a system based on fuzzy logic which recognizes the course of the unbalance measuring signal that can be roughly expected masks these values as non-relevant.

Abstract: For largely automatic determination of the moment of inertia of, in particular, an internal combustion engine on a testing stand, speed n and indicated torque M.sub.M are measured under controlled operating conditions in both a run-up phase as well as in a coasting phase. In order to eliminate the loss moment in the determination of the moment of inertia, the measuring points of the respectively same speed from the run-up phase and the coasting phase are interpreted in combination, this enabling an exact determination of the moment of inertia in a very simple way with the devices that are usually already present at a testing stand.

Abstract: A test unit is provided for operatively testing CV driveaxles. The test unit has a drive spindle connected to a motor, and a pivotable brake spindle connected to a brake. An axle under test is connected with spindle adaptors to the drive and brake spindles. During a test, the axle under test is rotated by the motor, the brake is engaged to load the axle, and the brake spindle is pivoted to flex at least the outboard CV joints. The test unit is easily adaptable for testing different axles by using spindle adaptors. An accelerometer on the bearing block of the brake spindle detects vibration generated by the axle under test.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the straightness and balance of an archery arrow having a longitudinal axis and a magnetically attractive tip. The method comprises providing a magnet located in an elevated position, suspending the arrow by its tip from the magnet with the arrow's shaft passing through a stationary ring, spinning the suspended arrow about its longitudinal axis, and observing perturbations in movement of the spinning arrow relative to the ring that are indicative of warp or imbalance in the arrow. A device for performing the method of this invention is also provided. The device comprises a support frame having one end configured to be mounted to a wall or the like and another end bearing a magnet from which an arrow can be suspended. Preferably, the magnet is formed with a dimple for receiving and positioning the tip of an arrow for which straightness and balance are to be determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically balancing a rotary member by mass compensation in first and second correction planes on the rotary member, wherein in dependence on the rotary member mass, its mass moment of inertia, the measuring speed of rotation and the spacing of the correction planes from the measuring planes, measurement value vectors which are supplied by measuring sensors in the measuring planes are turned through angles which are obtained from a respective stored family of curves produced by means of test runs. Each family of curves represents phase shifts of the measurement vectors relative to the correction vectors in the correction planes in dependence on the rotary member mass, the mass moment of inertia, the speed of measuring rotation and the spacing of the rotary member or the correction plane from the measuring plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring unbalance of a vehicle wheel that is freely rotatable and mounted on a motor vehicle. The wheel is rotated during the measuring operation at a measurement speed and a mark on the wheel is sensed to provide accurate information concerning the angular wheel position of the rotating wheel. An incremental generator is operatively associated with the wheel for supplying a predetermined number of increments between each two sensings of the mark on the wheel, which is associated with a rotational angle of 360.degree.. The respective counter condition is used for detecting the rotational angle of the wheel.

Abstract: An operating circuit for use in an apparatus for measuring unbalance of a rotary member in which the drive for the rotary member is by means of a single-phase ac motor with a single-phase main winding and an auxiliary winding which is electrically displaced through 90.degree.. Under at least approximately load-free operating conditions, a capacitor is connected in parallel with the auxiliary winding to reduce fluctuating angular speeds of the rotor of the motor when the motor is operating in an approximately load-free condition.

Abstract: For balancing a rotating component, in particular a component arranged in the drive train of a motor vehicle such as a flywheel, for example, it is proposed that an incomplete mass ring is attached to the component, in which the gap is dimensioned so that it corresponds to the magnitude of the imbalance measured at the component and is arranged in the angle position of the measured imbalance.

Abstract: The invention relates to transmission devices comprising at least one joint and/or at least one sliding connection and more particularly concerns taking up clearances and providing a dynamic balancing of such devices. The invention comprises mainly intentionally sufficiently unbalancing an inner or "floating" part of the device to exceed the random imbalance resulting from radial clearances existing in the joints (20) or sliding connections. The subsequent balancing of the whole of the transmission device is in this way rendered really effective.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the straightness and balance of an archery arrow having a longitudinal axis and a magnetically attractive tip. The method comprises providing a magnet located in an elevated position, suspending the arrow by its tip from the magnet, spinning the suspended arrow about its longitudinal axis, and observing perturbations in movement of the spinning arrow that are indicative of warp or imbalance in the arrow. A device for performing the method of this invention is also provided. The device comprises a support frame having one end configured to be mounted to a wall or the like and another end bearing a magnet from which an arrow can be suspended. Preferably, the magnet is formed with a dimple for receiving and positioning the tip of an arrow for which straightness and balance are to be determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for straightening a coupling shaft comprising a tubular member having a midship tube shaft affixed at one end thereof, with the midship tube shaft mounted in a center shaft support bearing assembly. The coupling shaft is rotatably supported at the end opposite the midship tube shaft and at the center shaft support bearing which rotatably supports the midship tube shaft of the coupling shaft. The coupling shaft is rotated relative to an indicator for measuring radial misalignment thereof, and the radial misalignment is measured at one or more locations along the midship tube shaft. A force is applied to the coupling shaft to permanently deflect the same and thereby reduce any observed radial misalignment.

Abstract: A digital ratiometric tracking filter provides superior measurement of the magnitude and phase of vibration of a rotating body, at uniform or non-uniform rotational speed. The sensed speed and vibration signals are concurrently processed and subsequently combined to produce the absolute magnitude and relative phase measurements. The concurrent processing of the sensed signals assures that any system-introduced errors are found in both signals and can be uniformly eliminated by the ratiometric processing thereof.

Abstract: A balancing station includes a vertical spindle having a collet for frictionally engaging the center hole of a wheel. A motor driven drum is mounted on an arm which is moved by an actuator to urge the drum against the wheel with a radial force so that it can frictionally drive the wheel. An idler drum or a second driven drum mounted on a similar arm on the opposite side of the wheel is moved by an actuator to engage the wheel at a location diametrically opposite the driven drum to apply a radial force to the wheel equal and opposite to the force from the driven drum. The arms are symmetrically mounted with respect to the spindle so that the two drums will contact diametrically opposite locations on the wheel for any size wheel over a large size range.

Abstract: An air-jet driven dynamic balance test apparatus for testing the dynamic balance of minrotors with minimum interference from external vibration noise. The dynamic balance test apparatus comprise a resilient supporting steel sheet having a horizontal bottom portion fastened to a base and an elongated upright body portion extended upwardly from the horizontal bottom portion to carry the sample to be tested. An air-jet generating device is provided to produce a continuous stream of compressed air for rotating the sample about its central axis. The resilient supporting steel sheet contains a resilient section for increasing sensitivity of said test apparatus. The resilient supporting steel sheet contains a resilient section, which can be the resilient steel sheet itself or in the form of a row of through holes or a corrugated section. A detector is mounted on the resilient supporting steel sheet to detect the vibration as the sample is being rotated during testing.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for improving the fit of a pneumatic tire on a motor vehicle wheel rim, before a wheel balancing operation is carried out the wheel is accelerated to a maximum permissible peripheral speed and centrifugal force acting at the wheel is measured at that speed. The drive for the wheel with tire thereon is stopped when the measured variation in centrifugal force reaches or falls below a predetermined limit value.

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: The disclosure herein relates to a wheel service machine, such as a wheel balancer, which provides audible output for guiding an operator to measured positions on a vehicle wheel assembly where corrective operations must be performed, such as the application of wheel assembly unbalance compensation weights.

Abstract: A combination tire and rim assembly match mounting, match grinding and balancing machine has a load roller for contacting the mounted tire periphery with a predetermined force. The displacement of the roller provides a measure of tire radial runout and either a vision system or mechanical probes provide a measure of rim radial runout. A controller operates to calculate the least square best fit between the tire and the rim and to control the match grinding to provide improvement in the tire and rim assembly operating vibration characteristics.

Abstract: A shaft synchronous balancing apparatus wherein a rotor to be balanced is rotated in conjunction with appropriate balance plane located transducers and a non-contacting shaft monitoring pick-up, for example of an optical variety. The latter pick-up derives a one times per revolution reference signal which is treated by a software driven process control system including dual timer-counters to evaluate the period of revolution, T, and to develop N incremental sampling pulses having a duration or time constant of T/N. Preferably, N is an even integer power of 2. Periodic updating of the duration of a time constant is developed utilizing only one software interrupt in conjunction with the two counter timers. A nulling technique for canceling offset at the signal treatment stages is provided which accommodates for the high amplification levels necessary at the front end of the system.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus in which a rotary member is mounted and rotated for measurement or testing thereof, with measuring devices including measurement value pick-up structures for periodically detecting varying forces and/or moments caused by the rotating rotary member. The measuring apparatus includes a machine bed which serves as a component for carrying the measuring devices and for mounting the rotary member. The machine bed is in the form of a casting comprising polymer concrete.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring unbalance on a rotary member such as a motor vehicle wheel comprises a drive motor for driving a main shaft carrying the rotary member, by way of a reduction transmission means having a self-locking action so that the main shaft can be braked by the self-locking action after an unbalance measuring run. The self-locking action of the reduction transmission means also serves to resist a rotary moment applied to the main shaft when tightening or loosening a clamping arrangement with which the rotary member is clamped on the main shaft, so that the main shaft remains in a stationary position during that operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for balancing rotatable members whereby a member to be balanced is rotated first in one direction about an axis at a selected speed and then is rotated in the opposite direction about the same axis and at the same speed. A sensor determines the circumferential apparent location of greatest imbalance or runout of the member in each of the directions of rotation, following which any imbalance of the rotatable member is compensated for by adding or removing weight to or from such member at a circumferential zone which is equidistant between the apparent locations of greatest imbalance.

Abstract: A mounting stand in a balancing machine mounting assembly includes a stationary mounting block and a mount for a rotary member to be balanced. The mount is supported on the mounting block by two parallel springs capable of oscillating movement in a mounting plane in the measurement direction. The mounting stand further has at least one measurement value pick-up sensor operatively disposed between the mounting block and the oscillatable mount for detecting oscillation of the mount produced by an out-of-balance rotary member and to supply corresponding measurement signals. A rotatable adjusting unbalance weight of a known magnitude is mounted to the oscillatable mount and can be selectively brought into operation to cause oscillatory movement of the oscillatable system, to perform a calibration.

Abstract: A method for designing and producing an internal combustion engine of the reciprocating type which allows for reducing the number of cylinders required for smooth operation of an engine of any size displacement. A new balancing procedure for dynamically balancing the crankshaft and reciprocating parts overcomes the vibration forces produced by the high moments of inertia inherent in reciprocating engines with a single plane crankshaft and large cylinder bores. The engine designed and assembled in accordance with this procedure may have fewer cylinders and moving parts than engines produced and assembled with balancing methods in current use, but with the same total volume of cylinder bore displacement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the measuring of the imbalance and the calculation of the location and size of the necessary weights to be added to a rotating object to balance it. Included are a mounting surface for receiving the object and a shaft affixed to and extending away therefrom with the shaft supported at two spaced apart points therealong, and a pair of pressure sensors with one each at the two support points of the shaft for providing a signal that is proportional to the force exerted by the shaft at the corresponding one of the support points as the object is rotated. In addition, a position and speed of rotation detection means is affixed to the shaft to continuously provide speed of rotation and position data of the shaft. Also there is a pair of tracking filters, each disposed to receive the output signal from a different one of the pair of pressure sensors with the center frequency of both filters being substantially the speed of rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: The position and magnitude of an unbalance correction in specified correction planes is determined for the purpose of reducing a determined unbalance in a body. Such correction planes may comprise the inner and outer surfaces of a wheel. Incremental correction is provided with respect to magnitude and continuous correction is provided with respect to the position in order to achieve minimalization of the residual static unbalance with only one correction weight per correction plane. The existing unbalance in the correction planes according to magnitude and position is determined, and the influence of various corrections upon the static and the dynamic residual unbalance that can be accomplished with one correction weight per correction plane are also determined. Corrections are provided in the correction planes for balancing that produce the minimally possible static residual unbalance and which fall within predetermined limits in each correction plane.

Abstract: This method is for balancing a propeller shaft which includes a slide type constant velocity joint which has an internal cavity for receiving lubricant. In the specified order: first, the slide type constant velocity joint is slid in to substantially the maximum amount possible therefor, so as to reduce its internal cavity to substantially its minimum volume; second, lubricant is packed into this internal cavity to a fill ratio of substantially 100%, while the constant velocity joint remains thus substantially fully slid in; and, third, while the constant velocity joint still remains thus substantially fully slid in, the propeller shaft is balanced. Thereby, unbalance of the propeller shaft due to the lubricant such as grease received in the internal cavity of the constant velocity joint becoming collected preferentially on one side of the internal cavity during the balancing process is positively prevented.

Abstract: The balancing machine comprises a shaft (2) mounted on a frame (1) by means of two bearings (3, 4), under each of which a force sensor (5, 6) is mounted. The shaft (2) is driven by a motor (10) and a chain transmission. The chain (16) of this transmission has a pulling side which is taut and at right angles to the plane passing through the axes of sensitivity of the sensors (5, 6), while its driven side is slack.

Abstract: Method of effecting a spin-testing of a turbocharger rotor with its shaft portion fixed to a simulation attachment assembly consisting of components parts which include a thrust bearing, a spacer, a sleeve or compressor rotor, and a lock nut, wherein an integral composite member is formed from at least two parts of the component parts. The testing device includes the attachment assembly with the integral composite member, and a bearing housing for supporting the turbocharger rotor and the attachment assembly rotatably as a unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the dynamic imbalance in a bearing ball (10) includes a support member (32) having a concave surface (34) for receiving and positionally retaining the ball (10). A cushion of compressed gas is established between the concave surface (34) and the ball (10) by a plurality of flow passages (36) disposed in the support member (32). Rotating motion is imparted to the ball (10) by an intermittent gas jet (46) and the subsequent motion (28) of the axis of rotation (22) resulting from the presence of any dynamic imbalance within the sphere (10) is measured (68, 70, 72).

Abstract: Machine for rapidly rotating and sensing imbalance of automotive drive shafts. Spindles including independent vibration sensors are rigidly secured to mounting blocks seated on a pair of rails integrally cast in a horizontal surface of a concrete base. A gear engaging a rack seated in a recess cast in the same horizontal surface senses to move one of the mounting blocks and its spindle and a plug also operable in the recess selectively locks the mounting block in position. Visual indicators are provided for simultaneously displaying vibrations sensed at each end of the driveshaft.

Abstract: Balancing apparatus for performing in-process balancing of a rotary mass by capacitor discharge to deliver an arc to erode material from the mass. A capacitor bank is operatively coupled through a coupling circuit to electrode structure which delivers the arc to the mass. A trigger pulse is injected into the coupling circuit to initiate the arc discharge. The coupling circuit is so constructed and arranged as not to impair the effectiveness of the trigger pulse in initiating the arc, yet it provides no significant resistance to the high amperage capacitor discharge current which is enabled to flow to the electrodes once the gap between the electrode structure and the rotary mass has been broken down. Several embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment comprises multiple capacitor banks which are sequentially placed on-line. Associated with each capacitor bank is a "contactless switch".

Abstract: A light weight, low speed, low cost dynamic balancing machine useful for wheel balancing includes a light weight base, sensors for detecting unbalanced signals and attendant noise, and a low energy drive employing a small electric motor driving elastic belts for rotating the body to be balanced.

Abstract: Apparatus for the transfer of a module, the module including an outer casing in which is held the stator stage and a turbine rotor constituted by disks supporting blade rows, the disks being held by tie bolts, the apparatus having a holding device of the outer casing on the balancing machine, a temporary interconnection means of the disks of the turbine, and a transport device ensuring the securing of the turbine disks after withdrawal of the holding device.

Abstract: Dynamic unbalance of a rigid rotor is corrected by machining the rotor in a direction parallel to the rotor axis of said rotor by subtracting or adding weights corresponding to a corrective weight in two planes for compensating initial unbalanced vectors corresponding to correction angle directions and corrective weights in the planes. Prior to effecting the machining, center of gravity position of a corrective machining weight is calculated for effecting corrective machining in the axial direction; the corrective machining corresponds to the corrective weight. The initial unbalanced vectors in the two planes are corrected into unbalanced vectors in new planes respectively including the centers of gravities of the corrective machining weights determined during the calculating step. Correction angular positions and corrective machining weights around the respective planes are obtained by repeating the calculating and correcting steps.

Abstract: An unbalance correction system is disclosed for balancing a workpiece while it rotates in a conventional balancing machine. Stock removal occurs simultaneously with unbalance measurement. State of balance is continuously monitored while correction proceeds. The trial and error aspect in conventional methods of alternating between measurement and correction operations is eliminated, resulting in a higher precision balance in reduced procedure time. Stock is removed by discharging capacitors across a gap formed between the spinning workpiece and stationary electrodes. The momentary high-current arc melts and vaporizes material during only a portion of a total revolution. The discharge is triggered by a vibration induced signal from the balancing machine when the heavy spot is adjacent the electrodes.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for arrows is disclosed. The apparatus is made up of a stand with a v-block on it. The v-block is adjustable up and down on the stand and an arrow tip support is rotatably supported on the stand it is driven by a motor with a speed control so that an arrow leaning against the v-block and its point resting on the tip support is rotated at an optimum speed so that it can be visually checked for broadhead alignment, nock alignment, and arrow straightness.

Abstract: The apparatus and method are designed to allow a projectile to be supported n an external air bearing and spun up to a desired spin rate. When the desired spin drive is disengaged the projectile reacts freely to the gyroscopic forces in three degrees of angular motion. Spin loss, coning angle and nutation motion are measured as they vary with time.

Abstract: A relatively lightweight base assembly for a dynamic wheel balancing machine is stabilized by filling a pliant plastic bag carried by the base assembly with a sufficient volume of pourable material, such as water, to provide a free form body of ballast. Also, a plurality of bags of a type to receive pourable sand can be filled with sand, as desired, for supplying ballast and for damping machine movements.

Abstract: A chuck is mounted to the hub of an out-of-balance wheel and an indicator stem is connected by means of a ball joint to the chuck. When the wheel is rotated and reaches a velocity such that it tends to oscillate, the indicator stem is moved to an attitude where it extends across the axis of oscillation and is balanced in this position. The rotation of the wheel is then stopped and the position of the indicator stem indicates the location where a weight is needed on the wheel and the approximate amount of weight needed at this position.

Abstract: A system for reducing undue vibrations transmitted to a vehicle by a tire assembly including a tire buffing or grinding machine, a tire balancing machine, and a mounting adapter for alternatively mounting the tire assembly on the tire buffing machine and the tire balancing machine. The tire buffing machine includes a drive unit for rotating the tire assembly about its rotational axis, a loading unit for radially loading the tire assembly, a buffing unit for selectively grinding away portions of the tire tread, and a control unit interconnecting the loading unit and the buffing unit to cause the buffing unit to reduce the loaded radial runout of the tire assembly.

Abstract: A device for holding a small weight rotor body on a shaft of a balance testor. The shaft has a stopper portion engaging the rotor body inserted on the shaft, and has a pair of axially spaced apart annular grooves to which respective O-rings are fitted. The O-rings generate a frictional force for fixedly connecting the rotor body on the shaft during the measurement of the unbalance.

Abstract: A method for effecting a measurement of the unbalance of a small weight rotor body such as a impeller or turbine wheel for a turbo-charger in an internal combustion engine. A shaft, on which the rotor body is inserted and which is on both ends thereof supported on a pair of bearing units, is rotated while the rotor body is held on the shaft under an elastic frictional force. The unbalance is at every angular position of the rotor body measured during the rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A transducer mount for a wheel balancer having a shaft and a drive belt which approaches the shaft from a given direction. A bearing block for the end of the shaft adjacent the drive belt is supported by a passive mount aligned with the given direction and an active mount spaced from the passive mount so that vibrations in the belt drive produce no moments about the passive mount that are sensed by the active mount. The wheel/tire assembly is attached to the end of the shaft remote from the belt drive, and there is a bearing block adjacent the wheel/tire assembly which is supported by an active mount and a passive mount that are spaced from one another by a distance greater than the space between the active mount and the passive mount for the bearing block adjacent the belt drive, thereby to increase the amplitude of forces applied to the active mount that is spaced farther from the wheel/tire assembly.

Abstract: Rollers for a high-speed journal bearing are tested for any unbalance before assembly by being rotated at high velocity while lodged in a movably supported air bearing. Rollers with a dynamic unbalance above a predetermined limit are rejected.

Abstract: An electronic circuit with an output that may be used, for example, to control a servo system which positions grinders of a tire grinding machine to correct tires with large cleats is disclosed. The electronic circuit is responsive to an analog electrical signal to detect whether or not the rate of change in amplitude of the analog electrical signal equals or exceeds a preselected limit. If the rate of change in amplitude of the analog electrical signal does not equal or exceed the preselected limit, the output of the electronic circuit has a characteristic that is similar to the analog electrical signal. If the rate of change in amplitude of the analog electrical signal equals or exceeds the preselected limit, the output of the electronic circuit preferably remains constant at an amplitude which the analog electrical signal attained prior to the change in amplitude at a rate equal to or in excess of the preselected limit.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the imbalance of a bowling ball includes a base, a first gimbal rotatably mounted on the base and a second gimbal rotatably mounted on the first. A ball is supported by the second gimbal and spun while having the same orientation it has when in flight. The ball acts as the rotor of a gyroscope and any imbalance causes precession in the form of rotation of the first gimbal. Indicators carried by the first gimbal and the base aid in observing the direction and rate of precession.

Abstract: Self-centering device for generally locking motor vehicle wheels on to balancing machine shafts, comprising a normal drive flange rigid with the threaded balancing shaft; a sleeve slip-mounted on the balancing shaft and from the central region of which there projects a flange, the opposing faces of which are provided with telescopic means for centering and locking the rim of a wheel to be balanced; and a collar mounted on the balancing shaft and provided with swivel means for axially engaging and disengaging the collar with and from the balancing shaft.