Abstract: In a method and apparatus for balancing a motor vehicle wheel comprising a wheel with pneumatic tire thereon, the wheel is clamped on to a measuring shaft of a balancing machine, and geometrical data of the wheel are sensed and stored. A measuring run is conducted for ascertaining an unbalance, and for determining at least one balancing vector in accordance with a balancing program selected depending on the type of wheel. The material of the wheel is detected with a sensor. The balancing program for determining the nature of balancing weight and its positioning in a balancing plane on the wheel is selected depending on the signal obtained in the sensing operation using the sensor. The balancing vector is determined in the electronic system of the machine for the balancing program. At least one balancing weight is then fixed to the wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for balancing motor vehicle wheels having rims formed by continuous radially-directed tracts alternating with spaces, according to which, after having a first time determined an amount and exact geometrical position of correction weights, a method employing the following phases is applied: a) application of a weight, whose position on the rim and amount are theoretically exact and calculated by the processor after the start phase: the weight being applied at a spoke 12 situated at a position on the rim which is closest possible to an exact position, if there is no spoke 12 at the exact position; b) determination of the effective position at which the weight has been materially applied with respect to the exact position as calculated by the processor; c) the use of geometric parameters defining the effective position in order to calculate the residual unbalance deriving from the new real configuration of the weights so that a theoretically-calculated exact geometrical position

Abstract: A runout measurement and control system including an accelerometer comprising a unit that is positioned on the lathe housing and configured to measure the rotational acceleration of the lathe body during a lateral runout correction sequence. The runout measurement and control system further includes a control circuit comprising a microprocessor that analyzes the accelerometer data to provide a corrective signal that is transmitted to an automated alignment device.

Abstract: An electronic wheel balancer performs imbalance measurements at variable speeds for different size wheels. The inertia of a wheel mounted on the balancer is determined by measuring the acceleration time of the wheel from a first speed to a second higher speed and the operating speed is adjusted accordingly. An improved operator interface pod incorporates correction plane indicators/selection buttons adjacent the weight display. Auxilliary weight storage is also provided.

Abstract: A machine for determining dynamically a residual unbalance in a workpiece having a conical surface is provided with a plurality of support elements, such as roller elements, that communicate with the workpiece at the conical surface thereof. The roller elements are arranged circumferentially equidistant about the workpiece and may have cylindrical or conical configurations. Further support elements, such as roller elements, can be applied against an annular surface of the workpiece, such as on a flange portion thereof. At least one of the support rollers that communicates with the conical surface is arranged to rotate about an adjustable axis of rotation that can be oriented with respect to the workpiece to achieve good rotative communication therebetween.

Abstract: A motor vehicle wheel balancing machine holds a motor vehicle wheel by clamping it on a balancing machine measuring spindle. After an operation to measure the unbalance of the the wheel has been preformed, a balancing weight is attached to the wheel using a sensor, and the measuring spindle is stopped with a holding brake which is activated when the sensor is activated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for balancing a combined assembly of a driveshaft and axle. The apparatus includes a fixture for supporting the driveshaft and axle assembly in vehicle position. The rear axle is supported using the attachments where the axle is mounted to the motor vehicle. The assembly is rotated and a sensor detects vibrations. An imbalance calculator determines a weight to be added to the driveline to correct the imbalance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of correcting imbalance on a motor vehicle wheel/tire assembly. A sensing device coupled to an electronic measuring apparatus is used to scan the wheel in a continuous motion, obtaining the profile of the surface intended for the placement of at least one imbalance correction weight. The balancer computer analyzes the scanned profile and determines the best arrangement of correction weight locations and magnitudes. This system reduces the amount of weight, number of weights, and/or residual imbalance caused by systems where the operator determines the correction planes. The display shows the scanned profile and the weights exactly as the physical wheel and placed weights appear, improving intuitiveness and providing confidence in the measuring apparatus. The correction weight magnitudes and locations can be manually adjusted via the user interface and a real-time display update of required weights and the corresponding residual imbalance.

Abstract: A method of stopping an electric motor-driven balancing machine main shaft after an unbalance measuring run in a specific rotary angle stoppage position corresponding to a desired balancing rotary angle position provides that in the course of retardation of the main shaft, a timer is switched on at a short angular spacing of for example 3.degree. before the main shaft reaches the desired rotary angle stoppage position. The timer predetermines a time interval which is determined from the rotary speed and the rotary angle position of the main shaft at the time of the timer being switched on, with the retardation operation being stopped at the end of that time interval, with the main shaft stationary. The retardation operation can be effected by torque reversal of the motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for balancing motor vehicle wheels, comprising the phases of: mounting a wheel on a rotatable shaft, setting the shaft and wheel in rotation, reading off any forces due to an imbalance in a wheel by means of force transducers, processing signals coming from the transducers by means of a processor, in order to provide an indication of an entity and geometrical arrangement of masses to be applied to the wheel in order to correct any detected imbalance. With the method, a balancing speed is determined in accordance with at least one parameter indicating an inertia to rotation of the wheel, according to a correspondence in which a balancing speed is lower for a wheel having higher inertia.

Abstract: A process and a device (1-8, 10-13) for balancing a rotating body (9) by the addition of balancing weights, start the body (9) rotating and measure the unbalance. The inertia of the body and the balancing weights to be emplaced in each weight plane at a corresponding predetermined diameter is evaluated. The rotating body (9) is stopped and blocked in a position corresponding to the emplacement of a weight in a first weight plane and in a first predetermined radial direction. Used in the balancing of vehicle wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus for fitting, with perfect axial alignment, motor vehicle wheels of any size on the horizontal shaft of a machine, typically a wheel balancing machine, comprises two mutually facing and superimposed jaws which are moved so as to perform a mutual approach and spacing motion, by means of which they engage the tire of the wheel to be checked and/or that has already been checked and respectively disengage from the tire; a vertical motion, by means of which the jaws move between a lowered position, in which they can receive the wheel to be checked and remove the checked wheel, and a raised position, in which the jaws are arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner with respect to the balancing shaft; and a horizontal back-and-forth motion, parallel to the balancing shaft, between a retracted position, in which the jaws support the wheel so that it is axially aligned with the shaft and arranged in front of its free end, and an extracted position, in which the jaws support the wheel so that it is axially ali

Abstract: An apparatus and method for balancing a combined assembly of a driveshaft and axle. The apparatus includes a fixture for supporting the driveshaft and axle assembly in vehicle position. The rear axle is supported using the attachments where the axle is mounted to the motor vehicle. The assembly is rotated and a sensor detects vibrations. An imbalance calculator determines a weight to be added to the driveline to correct the imbalance.

Abstract: A device (1) for balancing rotors (3) by material removal is disclosed, which comprises a milling tool (18) provided with a first and a second cutting regions (18a, 18B) disposed transversely of each other, to remove material in the presence of feed movements for cutting, directed both radially of a rotor (3) and tangentially of the outer surface (4) of the rotor (3), and comprising support and relative-movement means (2) for positioning and moving the milling tool (18) and rotor (3) relative to each other, which means engages the rotor (3) in a manner adapted to cause rotation of said rotor about its rotation axis (5) even while the milling tool (18) is removing material from the rotor (3).

Abstract: In a method of rotating a rotary member on a balancing machine into balancing positions in first and second balancing planes, after the unbalance measuring run the rotary member is braked and thus rotated into the balancing position in the first balancing plane, with the braking deceleration being measured. The rotary member is then accelerated to a rotary speed of at most 80 rpm for rotation into the balancing position in the second balancing plane. The rotary member is then braked so that the braking travel resulting from the measured deceleration corresponds to the differential angle still remaining as far as the balancing position in the second balancing plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the placement of mass adjustment on a work piece by a centrifugal balancer includes a device incremented by pulses representing angular displacement of the work piece derived from a device responsive to system drive motor rotation and the drive motor-to-work piece rotation ratio for providing the angular position of the work piece relative to a reference point on the work piece.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for detecting imbalance and for identifying rotors in centrifuges is disclosed. An accelerometer measures the vibration of a rotating drive system as it accelerates from rest to a predetermined speed, and a signal processing system monitors changes in the magnitude of measured vibration energy. The processing system determines the power spectrum density of the measured values and from this the frequency spectrum and the total energy spectrum of the measured vibration are determined. These values may be used to provide an identifying profile which can be used as a reference for later identification of drive systems and rotors in operating systems, and for monitoring and controlling such operating systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for balancing a combined assembly of a driveshaft and axle. The apparatus includes a fixture for supporting the driveshaft and axle assembly in vehicle position. The rear axle is supported using the attachments where the axle is mounted to the motor vehicle. The assembly is rotated and a sensor detects vibrations. An imbalance calculator determines a weight to be added to the driveline to correct the imbalance.

Abstract: An electromagnetically actuate machine balancer including a plurality of peripherally placed magnetic circuits and a power driver which selectively interrupts the magnetic flux through the circuits, thereby moving unbalanced rotors in a desired manner to compensate for machine unbalance.

Abstract: A balancing machine for balancing a wheel, wherein the wheel is rotated by a drive device for measuring the unbalance, is provided with a speed control device for controlling the speed of the drive device. The speed control device includes a computer and a frequency converter. Further drive devices can be switched by a switch-over device.

Abstract: A method for balancing a rotor of a rotatable machine such as a steam turbine-generator unit. A time-dependent equation is formulated for rotor vibration based on a rotordynamic computer model derived from finite element analysis of the machine's rotor vibration due to centrifugal forces caused by adding unbalance weights. The equation is repeatedly solved in the frequency domain as an optimizer program uses iteration to determine the unbalance weights which will cause the vibration of the rotor of the model to duplicate the measured vibration of the rotor of the machine. Then, balance weights are added to the rotor of the machine which are the inverse of the unbalance weights which were added to the rotor of the model.

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 vehicle wheel balancing method includes determining, by using an electronic computing device, the position of the application plane and the angular position of each weight within a range about prechosen balancing planes, computed on the basis of weight values chosen by the operator from a finite number of values available in practice. A wheel balancing apparatus includes a rotary shaft on which a vehicle wheel is mounted, and the electronic computing device discussed above.

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: In order to determine an imbalance of a rotor caused to turn by means of a driving arrangement, imbalance-produced deflections or accelerations of the driving arrangement, spring-loaded with respect to a stationary housing, are determined and relayed as an electrical signal to an evaluation device. The sensor may be, for example, a piezoelectric crystal for detection of accelerations of the drive unit caused by imbalance or a path sensor for detection of deflections of the drive unit relative to the housing as a result of imbalance. The signal is evaluated as a function of the rotary speed of the rotor by means of an adaptive band filter. The method is especially suitable for determination of imbalance during operation of laboratory centrifuges, where an imbalance can occur, for example, from breakage of test tubes.

Abstract: A centrifugal balancer is combined with a computer system programed to suggest trial weights and placement and correction weights and placement to be used in interactive menu driven balancing sequences. Vibration responsive transducers provide inputs to automatic multi-gain amplifiers in a computer interface. The signals produced by the amplifiers are filtered by adjustable bandpass filters which are driven to match the rotational frequency of the work piece being balanced. Peak detectors rectify the output of the filters and an analog-to-digital converter processes the output of the peak detectors. A counter, reset by a sensor monitoring work piece rotation, is incremented until disabled by zero crossing detectors monitoring the outputs of the filters to provide relative phase information.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the vibration of a tire uniformity machine having a number of rotating components uses the signals from load cells when the machine idle to output voltage signals that are then amplified and input into a computer as unfiltered, amplified voltage signals. The signals are converted into a power spectrum and selected groups of frequencies and their amplitude are compared with acceptable amplitudes for the frequencies generated by various rotating parts of the machine. When at least one of the amplitudes for different frequencies is greater than at least one of the acceptable amplitudes for the frequencies generating different rotating parts of the machine, the computer outputs an alarm signal.

Abstract: In a method of setting a displayable machine function of a wheel balancing machine, machine functions stored in a function setting device are addressed and simultaneously displayed and identified at a display device by means of a movably mounted sensing member which senses dimensions of a wheel to be balanced.

Abstract: An apparatus for unbalance measurement on a rotary member comprising a rotary mounting device for the rotary member and an oscillatable support for the rotary mounting device for supporting same on the foundation of the apparatus. A force and/or oscillation measuring equipment is operatively disposed between the foundation and the rotary mounting device for measuring centrifugal forces and/or oscillations which result from unbalance of the rotary member. To determine the mass of the rotary member in the rotary mounting device, the apparatus measures the force due to the weight of the rotary member, disposed in the path of transmission of force between the rotary mounting device and the foundation.

Abstract: A method and device for balancing an unbalance on a motor vehicle wheel, including a tire mounting portion that is provided with a stylized design. Such a wheel can include a supporting disk with openings therein defining radially extending, spaced apart support members, such as struts or spokes, in the main area of the wheel. In particular such a tire supporting disk can comprise light metal. The angular positions of the radially extending support members are determined and are stored in storage 2 and the measurement values determined in the measurement procedure are divided into balancing corresponding to the angular positions of the radially extending support members. Weights for balancing the wheel are determined and are attached to the supporting disk at angular positions corresponding to the locations of the support members.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for correcting unbalance of a motor vehicle wheel by at least one balancing weight has a sensor for sensing at least one predetermined position on the wheel, a position detector connected to the sensor for detecting the position thereof, and a storage device connected to the position detector for storing position data determining actual balancing positions on the wheel. An electronic evaluator is connected to a measuring arrangement for measuring wheel unbalance requiring correction and to the storage device for determining the balancing position and the magnitude of the respective balancing weight to be fixed to the wheel. A comparator is connected to the storage device and the position detector. In a retrieval mode, when the sensor reaches a position which corresponds to a stored balancing position a clamping device receives a clamping signal from the comparator for at least partially blocking displacement of the sensor.

Abstract: A rotary element dynamic imbalance determining apparatus includes a spindle having a first end for removably supporting a rotary element the imbalance of which is to be determined, and a housing for rotatably mounting the spindle. An output signal related to imbalance in the supported rotary element is generated as the spindle rotates. A rotary fluid coupling comprises a chamber between the spindle and housing, a port in the housing for coupling the chamber to a source of compressed air and a one-way fluid seal for dividing the chamber into a first portion and a second portion. A passageway extends along the spindle from the second portion to the first end of the spindle to supply inflating air thereto.

Abstract: An improvement to a vehicle wheel balancer having a rotatable shaft upon which a wheel to be balanced is mountable and a digital signal processor, the improvement comprising a parameter entry device for determining the offset and diameter of the wheel which comprises an elongated rod slideably and rotatably mounted to the balancer in parallel with the rotatable shaft; a transverse arm connected to an end of the rod nearest the wheel, the arm comprising a wheel contacting tip; a first rotary encoder coupled to the distal end of the rod and having a shaft associated with the rod, wherein rotation of the rod rotates the shaft and thereby causes the first rotary encoder to generate a digital signal representative of the amount of rotation of the rod; a rack mounted to the balancer in alignment with the rod; and a second rotary encoder coupled to the rod and having a shaft associated with a rotatable gear which engages the rack, wherein extension of the rod rotates the shaft and thereby causes the second rotary en

Abstract: A balancing machine for vehicle wheels of different sizes and types includes a main shaft, structure for mounting a wheel on the main shaft, and for unbalance measurement which is related to at least one compensating plane of the wheel, sensing structure for detecting a spacing of the at least one compensating plane relative to the machine and for detecting a compensating radius on the wheel.

Abstract: Automatic checking of the calibration of a vehicle wheel balancer includes putting the balancer in a calibration check mode, mounting a test weight of known mass to a hub of the balancer, spinning the hub with the said test weight mounted thereon to determine the imbalance of the rotating hub/test weight assembly, comparing the determined imbalance with an expected imbalance and determining the difference therebetween. The balancer displays a message indicative of the status of the balancer's calibration. The balancer calibration check may be optionally overridden.

Abstract: A method and apparatus used with a motor controller that detects load imbalance at a relatively low speed and, if the degree of load imbalance is greater than a predetermined acceptable maximum degree, produces an alarm signal that indicates an imbalanced load. If the degree of load imbalance is greater than the predetermined acceptable maximum value, the present invention may either attempt to rebalance the load or stops the motor until the balance can be manually adjusted.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held, battery-powered rotor balancing calculator has a data port, which includes a host communications port to down-load set-up data from, and upload collected data to a host computer. A rotation sensor communications port receives data from the rotation sensor, and a vibration sensor communications port receives data from vibration sensors. An angle sensor communications port receives data from an angle sensor, and the calculator determines how far and in what direction the rotor has been rotated. The calculator also employs a power supply, a processor, and an operator interface. There is also a memory for data storage, menus with check-off lists, and procedures, including raw data screening procedures and collected data analysis procedures. A display is provided which depicts gathered data in a graphical form which is easily reconfigured for rotor viewing orientation.

Abstract: In a balancing machine having an apparatus for sensing geometrical data of a rotary member to be balanced such as a motor vehicle wheel which can be clamped on a main shaft of the balancing machine, the apparatus has a measuring sensor arranged on a support bar of the balancing machine, which is parallel to the main shaft and fixed in its longitudinal direction. The measuring sensor is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the support bar and has a pivot head which is arranged on the support bar rotatably about the longitudinal axis of the support bar. The sensor also has a measuring sensing lever having a positively guided sensing head, wherein the measuring sensing lever is mounted pivotably on the pivot head and a sensing finger on the sensing head is movable toward and away from the wheel to be sensed, upon a pivotal movement of the measuring sensing lever, in parallel orientation with respect to the main shaft.

Abstract: A mechanical drive arrangement for a measuring spindle of a wheel balancing machine has an actuator in the form of a lever which is actuable by hand for producing a torque which is transmitted to the measuring spindle for driving same.

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 a wheel balancer with a filtering system that reduces signal noise using a phase shift and subtraction circuit. In addition the inventive wheel balancer utilizes an automated parameter entry device, and a fast data refresh system which reduces the burden on the central processing unit CPU.

Abstract: A method of correcting unbalance on a motor vehicle wheel by means of at least one balancing weight which can be fixed to the wheel at appropriate positions ascertained by an electronic measuring apparatus during an unbalance measuring procedure involves the use of a sensing device which is coupled to the electronic measuring apparatus and which senses relevant dimensions of the wheel for storage thereof in the electronic measurement apparatus, for evaluation of the measurement values obtained in the unbalance measuring procedure.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a rotary crankshaft and pistons reciprocable in cylinders is tested for imbalance by suspending the engine from above to preclude vertical displacement of the engine and clamping the engine horizontally to preclude horizontal displacement thereof. Force sensors act on the engine to detect both vertical and horizontal forces imposed on the engine in response to rotation of the crankshaft by a crankshaft driver and resulting reciprocation of the pistons at speeds sufficient to cause the imposition of horizontal and vertical forces on the engine by a moving, unbalanced mass. The forces may be measured and oriented to enable the imbalance to be corrected. The cylinders are evacuated during rotation of the crankshaft to avoid the imposition of loads on the moving parts of the engine during the test. Changes in torque due to changes in the speed of rotation of the crankshaft may be detected by load cells which are responsive to rocking movements of the crankshaft driver.

Abstract: A balancing machine for motor vehicle wheels of different sizes and types has a clamp for clamping wheels on a main shaft of the machine. To measure an unbalance related to one or more compensating planes of the wheel, the machine determines the spacing of the compensating plane (or planes) relative to the machine and ascertains the compensating radius on the wheel. To perform this function, the machine has a sensing member which can be extended in a common plane with the longitudinal center line of the main shaft and which supplies electrical signals to an evaluation device in which unbalance measurement values which are ascertained during one or more measuring runs are evaluated to determine the unbalance of the wheel. The sensing member also has an angle measuring device that measures an angular position of the sensing member (or a part of the sensing member) which is proportional to the compensating radius to be detected.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for determining the number of successive balancing operations in which each rotary member to be balanced may require a different number of measuring runs to balance the rotary member within a specified tolerance, only measuring runs in which the measured unbalance lies within the specified tolerance are counted, whereby the result of the counting operation constitutes the number of successive balancing operations.

Abstract: A method of unbalance measurement of a rotary member for balancing thereof in first and second compensating planes includes the steps of: performing test runs wherein the rotary member is rotated about is axis with test weights on the rotary member rotating in different planes thereof, the planes being perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotary member, and in each test run the effects of centrifugal forces produced by the test weights are measured simultaneously in more than two measuring planes which differ from the planes in which the test weights rotate so as to provide correlation coefficient matrices in the respective measuring planes; evaluating all of the determinants associated with a given type of rotary member; and ascertaining unbalance vectors of a rotary member of a given type in the respective measuring planes by use of the measuring planes which are determined by the correlation coefficient matrix whose determinant is greatest for that type of rotary member.

Abstract: A wheel balancer comprises a main housing which supports a sub-housing. A main shaft to which a wheel to be balanced is coupled is rotatable in the sub-housing. The sub-housing is pivotally connected to the main housing by a pivot shaft which defines a horizontal main pivot axis extending transversely of the rotational axis of the main shaft. The sub-housing is pivotal from a horizontal position to a vertical position with the main shaft extending upwardly of the sub-housing to facilitate coupling of the wheel to the main shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for dynamically balancing a combined assembly of a drive shaft and axle input shaft for use in a vehicle drive train system. The apparatus includes a drive head adapted to be connected to one end of the drive shaft and a support head for supporting the axle. The support head includes a cradle plate extending upwardly from a base plate mounted on the apparatus. The cradle plate has an arcuate recess formed in the upper surface thereof which is adapted to receive and support a housing of the axle. A pair of support arms are also secured to the base plate, extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom. The support arms are adapted to be secured outwardly extending portions of the housing of the axle. The apparatus further includes first and second intermediate heads which are adapted to engage and support other portions of the drive train system.

Abstract: A centrifugal balancer is combined with a computer system programed to suggest trial weights and placement and correction weights and placement to be used in interactive menu driven balancing sequences. Vibration responsive transducers provide inputs to automatic multi-gain amplifiers in a computer interface. The signals produced by the amplifiers are filtered by adjustable bandpass filters which are driven to match the rotational frequency of the work piece being balanced. Peak detectors rectify the output of the filters and an analog-to-digital converter processes the output of the peak detectors. A counter, reset by a sensor monitoring work piece rotation, is incremented until disabled by zero crossing detectors monitoring the outputs of the filters to provide relative phase information.