Abstract: An articulated arm assembly adapted to carry machine means comprising a first member, a second member pivotally connected at one end thereof to said first member for pivotal movement thereabout, a third member extending outwardly from another end of said second member, said third member including means for connection to said machine means, means for adjusting the position of said machine means.

Abstract: A self-aligning arbor nut system is disclosed. The self-aligning arbor nut system, according to the present invention, includes a body formed with a duct substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the body. A substantially circular ring known as a swivel also is provided. The ring is engageable with either end of the duct. An o-ring is included. The o-ring is engageable with a groove in the wall of the ring, and with a slot formed on the inner surface of the duct at both ends of the duct to reverse engagement of the nut with an arbor. The swivel is engageable with at least one end of the body, and in fact is engageable with both ends of the body. When mounted on an arbor, the swivel aligns and helps prevent a bent or distorted arbor. A circumferential depression may be formed around the outside surface of the body. One or more bores is formed in the circumferential depression for manipulation with a key.

Abstract: A trolley is provided for supporting and portably moving an on-car brake lathe. The trolley includes wheels for mobility and a pneumatic cylinder for height adjustment. The pneumatic cylinder includes a piston rod, piston, and air valve. The piston has an equalizing port for dampened movement throughout the cylinder's stroke. The air valve allows static height adjustment of the lathe.

Abstract: A brake lathe alignment system is provided for mounting a brake lathe upon an adapter attached to a wheel hub. A first structure is adapted to be attached to the wheel hub. A second structure is adapted to be attached to the brake lathe. A plurality of hydraulic pistons are carried by the second structure and engage the first structure, so that alignment of the second structure relative to the first structure is adjustable by extending and retracting the hydraulic pistons. The adjustment of position of the hydraulic pistons can be manually controlled on-the-fly by operation of manually actuated hydraulic pumps.

Abstract: A cutting method which can efficiently cut braking surfaces of a brake rotor of a wheel bearing assembly. A reference surface on one side of a vehicle body-mounting flange provided on an outer member of the wheel bearing assembly is brought into abutment with positioning pieces of a positioning member, and a cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the outer member is clamped by a chuck device. By advancing pushrods of first and second pressing devices, a raceway member and a hub ring forming the inner member are pressed axially to put the assembly into an actual mounted state. The inner member and the brake rotor are rotated by rotating the pushrod of the second pressing device, and a cutting tool is moved in a direction parallel to the reference surface to cut the braking surfaces of the brake rotor.

Abstract: A brake rotor refinishing system provides simultaneously refinishing of two workpieces that are clamped at opposite ends of a duplex chuck, when the chuck is installed on a machine spindel. The duplex chuck has respectives sets of jaws that are independently driven by separate pinion elements. In the case of disk brake rotors, opposite sides of both workpieces are finished simultaneously. The system also includes a refinishing machine that incorporates the spindle and a machining mechanism having cutting elements for simultaneously refinishing opposite sides of a pair of disk rotors.

Abstract: A vibration attenuator for a disk brake lathe has two friction pads, each having a pad recess with a distal wall and a proximal wall. When the pads are placed against a brake disk, the recesses are placed over raised heads of fasteners that affix cutting tools of the lathe to adjustable tool holders. When the tool holders are moved radially outwards across the brake disk, the fastener raised heads engage the recess proximal walls and move the pads along with the cutting tools, and also serve to couple the pads with the cutting tools to dampen vibrations. Similarly, when the tool holders are moved radially inwards, the fastener raised heads engage the recess distal walls to move the pads along with the cutting tools. A U-shaped member having a tension spring extending between two legs on which the pads are mounted forcibly engages the pads with the brake disk.

Abstract: A housing and hub for an apparatus for securing a workpiece to a rotatable machine member are provided. The machine may include a lathe. The workpiece includes a rotor such a brake rotor. The apparatus includes a hub slidably engageable with a rotatable driven shaft of the lathe. The hub is formed with a first banded channel. Also included is a centering device axially positionable on the shaft. A spring having a distal end demountably insertable in the hub, and a proximal end connectable to the centering device, is included. The apparatus also includes a retaining ring attachable to the hub for retaining the centering device in the hub. A housing is provided that is freely movable axially on the shaft for securing the rotor substantially vertically on the shaft. The housing is formed with a second banded channel. A locking nut is included to secure the components of the apparatus on a machine member.

Abstract: An improved vibration attenuator for reducing undesired vibrations generated by cutter bits being drawn across the faces of a rotating brake rotor. The attenuator has friction pads with engagement members that extend therefrom which are configured to cause force to be exerted on the sides of fasteners that affix the cutter bits to the cutter arms in a direction parallel to the surface being machined and perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A brake lathe station has an on-vehicle brake lathe and a lift with support posts for raising a vehicle. A support structure supports the lathe while allowing it to be moved with respect to a horizontal plane about the vehicle to assist the lathe operator in positioning the lathe with respect to wheel hubs of the vehicle. The lathe is preferably connected to the support structure by an adjustable coupling which allows vertically tilting a lathe rotation axis of the lathe, as well as allowing rotation of the lathe substantially about its lathe rotation axis. The lathe can also be moved with respect to a vertical plane. The lathe can be floated with respect to the support structure while the lathe is mounted on the wheel hub. The coupling can be designed to allow attaching a dolly to the lathe while it is still supported by the support structure.

Abstract: An improved method for producing a brake drum which balances a brake drum defining an inner surface and an axis. Balancing specifications are determined which correct an imbalance of the brake drum about the axis. Material is removed from the inner surface, which forms a cylindrical surface preferably defining a braking surface of the brake drum, to balance the brake drum according to the balancing specifications. It is a further feature of the invention to remove material surrounding a pilot hole initially formed in the brake drum, wherein the removal of the material also correlates to the balancing specifications.

Abstract: A brake disk turning device accommodates runout using a front flange coupled to an adapter connected to the brake hub, and a rear flange fixed to a chuck of a lathe for turning the disk. Spacing adjusters are at equal intervals around the flanges for individually adjusting a spacing between the flanges at each interval to tilt the front flange with respect to the rear flange to accommodate the runout. Each adjuster has a toothed wheel and a retractable pin movable by an actuator to intercept the wheel to incrementally rotate the wheel during rotation of the flanges. A pinion connected to the wheel is meshed with a gear. Annular grooves with varying depth are provided between the gear and the front flange with balls therein for adjusting the spacing between the gear and front flange (9) depending on their rotation position.

Abstract: An on-car disc brake lathe system for resurfacing a brake disc of a vehicle brake assembly includes a lathe body with a driving motor, a cutting head operably attached to the lathe body, and a drive shaft. The system also includes an alignment system having an electronic controller, input and output adaptors configured to rotate with the drive shaft, one or more adjustment discs, and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment disc is positioned between the input adaptor and the output adaptor, and an axial alignment of the input adaptor relative to the output adaptor may be varied based on a rotational orientation of the adjustment disc. The adjustment mechanism is configured to change the rotational orientation of the adjustment disc in response to commands from the electronic controller.

Abstract: An on-car disc brake lathe system for resurfacing a brake disc of a vehicle brake assembly includes a lathe body with a driving motor, a cutting head operably attached to the lathe body, and a drive shaft. The system also includes an alignment system having an electronic controller, input and output adaptors configured to rotate with the drive shaft, one or more adjustment discs, and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment disc is positioned between the input adaptor and the output adaptor, and an axial alignment of the input adaptor relative to the output adaptor may be varied based on a rotational orientation of the adjustment disc. The adjustment mechanism is configured to change the rotational orientation of the adjustment disc in response to commands from the electronic controller.

Abstract: In a method for machining an electrically conductive workpiece with a cutting tool, an electric circuit is applied between the cutting tool and the workpiece which is positioned electrically insulated from the cutting tool, when the workpiece is subjected to a machining operation. At least one electric variable is determined and evaluated in the electric circuit during the machining operation. The advance of the workpiece is adjusted after each machining step of an entire surface of the workpiece, and the machining operation is terminated, when the at least one variable remains substantially constant during a machining step.

Abstract: An on-car disc brake lathe system for resurfacing a brake disc of a vehicle brake assembly includes a lathe body with a driving motor, a cutting head operably attached to the lathe body, and a drive shaft. The system also includes an alignment system having an electronic controller, input and output adaptors configured to rotate with the drive shaft, one or more adjustment discs, and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment disc is positioned between the input adaptor and the output adaptor, and an axial alignment of the input adaptor relative to the output adaptor may be varied based on a rotational orientation of the adjustment disc. The adjustment mechanism is configured to change the rotational orientation of the adjustment disc in response to commands from the electronic controller.

Abstract: An on-car disc brake lathe system for resurfacing a brake disc of a vehicle brake assembly includes a lathe body with a driving motor, a cutting head operably attached to the lathe body, and a drive shaft. The system also includes an alignment system having an electronic controller, input and output adaptors configured to rotate with the drive shaft, one or more adjustment discs, and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment disc is positioned between the input adaptor and the output adaptor, and an axial alignment of the input adaptor relative to the output adaptor may be varied based on a rotational orientation of the adjustment disc. The adjustment mechanism is configured to change the rotational orientation of the adjustment disc in response to commands from the electronic controller.

Abstract: A trolley is provided for supporting and portably moving an on-car brake lathe. The trolley includes wheels for mobility and a pneumatic cylinder for height adjustment. The pneumatic cylinder includes a piston rod, piston, and air valve. The piston has an equalizing port for dampened movement throughout the cylinder's stroke. The air valve allows static height adjustment of the lathe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically compensating for the lateral runout between an on-car lathe apparatus and a vehicle hub axis including one or more stop discs that rotate with the drive shaft of the lathe and that can be selectively stopped from rotating with the shaft by a stop mechanism. In response to such stopping, one or more adjustment discs are caused to rotate in order to adjust the relative position of the axis of the lathe with respect to the axis of the disc brake assembly. In this manner, the system compensates for and corrects lateral runout that exists between two concentrically attached rotating shafts.

Abstract: An automotive hub assembly, which carries a brake disk, has a hub provided with a spindle which rotates in a housing on a double row antifriction bearing having its raceways oriented obliquely to the axis of rotation so that the bearing accommodates both radial and axial loads. The bearing is set to a condition of preload so no free motion exists in it. The hub also has a flange at one end of its spindle, and the flange is machined on its face that is presented away from the housing to provide a machined mounting surface against which the brake disk is installed. The machining occurs after the hub assembly is assembled. To this end, the housing of the hub assembly is held fast while the hub is rotated on the bearing. With the hub rotating, a cutting tool is moved across the face of the flange, and it produces the machined mounting surface which is perpendicular to the axis of the bearing. The machined mounting surface has essentially no runout, so that the brake disk acquires no runout from the hub assembly.

Abstract: An improved brake lathe station has an on-vehicle brake lathe and a lift with one or more support posts for raising a vehicle. A support structure is provided to support the lathe while allowing it to be moved with respect to a horizontal plane about the vehicle to assist the lathe operator in positioning the lathe with respect to wheel hubs of the vehicle. The lathe is preferably connected to the support structure by an adjustable coupling which allows vertically tilting a lathe rotation axis of the lathe, as well as allowing rotation of the lathe substantially about its lathe rotation axis. Preferably, the lathe can also be moved with respect to a vertical plane. To prevent transmission of vibrations during the machining process, it is preferred for the lathe to be floated with respect to the support structure while the lathe is mounted on the wheel hub.

Abstract: A CNC (computer numeral controlled) composite tool holder has a body, an outer cover, a spindle, a cutter headstock, a control rod, a cutter bracket, a control cylinder and parts used to fit the cutter bracket onto the cutter headstock. The outer cover covers the body that holds the driving parts. The spindle is mounted in the body. The cutter headstock has a central hole to allow the spindle to pass through the cutter headstock. The control rod is slidably positioned in the spindle. The cutter bracket is mounted on the cutter headstock and has two lathe tools. The control cylinder is mounted in the outer cover and connected to the spindle. With the two lathe tools, an article can be cut on two faces at the same time.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly is disclosed which incorporates a disc 50 which includes radially inner and outer portions (54 55) which are separated by a gap 56. Two pad assemblies (11, 12) are located on respective sides of the disc and are interconnected by a draw bar 29 which extends through the gap and is connected to a piston cylinder assembly. Actuation of the piston cylinder assembly imparts a force to the pad assemblies through the draw bar which causes them to move either towards or away from the disc to thereby effect actuation and release of the brake assembly The draw bar is rotatable about its axis 71 and is releaseably coupled to the outboard pad assembly 12 so as to be operative to move between an engaged configuration with the pad assembly to a released configuration on rotation about the draw bar axis.

Abstract: An articulated arm assembly adapted to carry machine means comprising a first member, a second member pivotally connected at one end thereof to said first member for pivotal movement thereabout, a third member extending outwardly from another end of said second member, said third member including means for connection to said machine means, means for adjusting the position of said machine means.

Abstract: A disk brake lathe has a pair of tool bits mounted to tool holders which are translatable parallel to a lathe axis to adjust the separation of the tool bits from a brake disk. A displacement gauge responds to changes in the separation between the tool holders. When the tool bits are in continuous contact with the disk, the separation indicates the thickness which would result from machining the disk. This separation can be compared to a specification to determine whether to machine or discard the disk. A method for machining a disk starts by mounting and aligning the lathe to a wheel hub on which the disk is mounted. The tool bits are each advanced until they are in continuous contact the disk surfaces, when the separation of the tool bits is measured and preferably compared to a specification. When the tool bits are sequentially advanced, variation in the separation can be used to determine depth of cut for each tool bit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically compensating for the lateral runout between an on-car lathe apparatus and a vehicle hub axis including one or more stop discs that rotate with the drive shaft of the lathe and that can be selectively stopped from rotating with the shaft by a stop mechanism. In response to such stopping, one or more adjustment discs are caused to rotate in order to adjust the relative position of the axis of the lathe with respect to the axis of the disc brake assembly. In this manner, the system compensates for and corrects lateral runout that exists between two concentrically attached rotating shafts.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically compensating for the lateral runout between an on-car lathe apparatus and a vehicle hub axis including one or more stop discs that rotate with the drive shaft of the lathe and that can be selectively stopped from rotating with the shaft by a stop mechanism. In response to such stopping, one or more adjustment discs are caused to rotate in order to adjust the relative position of the axis of the lathe with respect to the axis of the disc brake assembly. In this manner, the system compensates for and corrects lateral runout that exists between two concentrically attached rotating shafts.

Abstract: A housing and hub for an apparatus for securing a workpiece to a rotatable machine member are provided. The machine may include a lathe. The workpiece includes a rotor such a brake rotor. The apparatus includes a hub slidably engageable with a rotatable driven shaft of the lathe. The hub is formed with a first banded channel. Also included is a centering device axially positionable on the shaft. A spring having a distal end demountably insertable in the hub, and a proximal end connectable to the centering device, is included. The apparatus also includes a retaining ring attachable to the hub for retaining the centering device in the hub. A housing is provided that is freely movable axially on the shaft for securing the rotor substantially vertically on the shaft. The housing is formed with a second banded channel. A locking nut is included to secure the components of the apparatus on a machine member.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a workpiece to a rotatable machine member. The machine may include a lathe. The workpiece includes a rotor such a brake rotor. The apparatus for securing a workpiece to a machine member includes a hub slidably engageable with a rotatable driven shaft of the lathe. Also included is a centering device axially positionable on the shaft. A spring having a distal end demountably insertable in the hub, and a proximal end connectable to the centering device, is included. The apparatus also includes a retaining ring attachable to the hub for retaining the centering device in the hub. A housing is provided that is freely movable axially on the shaft for securing the rotor substantially vertically on the shaft. A locking nut is included to secure the components of the apparatus on a machine member.

Abstract: An improved vibration attenuator for reducing undesired vibrations generated by cutter bits being drawn across the faces of a rotating brake rotor. The attenuator has friction pads with engagement members that extend therefrom which are configured to cause force to be exerted on the sides of fasteners that affix the cutter bits to the cutter arms in a direction parallel to the surface being machined and perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: This invention relates to method for fabricating a vehicle hub, bearing and brake disc assembly wherein the brake surface of the brake disc is oriented in a predetermined relationship relative to the outer race of the bearing assembly. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a vehicle hub including a hub flange; (b) providing a bearing assembly having an outer race; (c) installing the bearing assembly about the vehicle hub; (d) providing a separately formed brake disc having a brake surface; (e) securing the brake disc to the hub flange of the vehicle hub to produce a vehicle hub, bearing and brake disc assembly; (f) supporting the vehicle hub, bearing and brake disc assembly on a machining apparatus; and (g) using the machining apparatus to machine the brake surface of the brake disc of the vehicle hub, bearing and brake disc assembly whereby the brake surface is oriented in a predetermined relationship relative to the outer race of the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A gyration/reciprocating action switching mechanism. The mechanism includes an output shaft, a first clutch mounted on said output shaft, and a second clutch mounted inside the first clutch and coupled to the output shaft. A torsional force adjustment mechanism is mounted on a speed reduction mechanism of a power hand tool. The mechanism further includes a gyration adjustment device. The rotation of the gyration adjustment device to a lower limit position forces the first axle sleeve of the first clutch into engagement with the second axle sleeve of the first clutch to shorten the stroke of the output shaft, causing the first cam to be disengaged from the second cam by the spring force of a coil spring of the second clutch, enabling the coil spring of the second clutch to be compressed to force the first cam into contact with the second cam and to let the output shaft be reciprocated upon pressing of the output shaft against an object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically compensating for the lateral runout between an on-car lathe apparatus and a vehicle hub axis including one or more stop discs that rotate with the drive shaft of the lathe and that can be selectively stopped from rotating with the shaft by a stop mechanism. In response to such stopping, one or more adjustment discs are caused to rotate in order to adjust the relative position of the axis of the lathe with respect to the axis of the disc brake assembly. In this manner, the system compensates for and corrects lateral runout that exists between two concentrically attached rotating shafts.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically compensating for the lateral runout between an on-car lathe apparatus and a vehicle hub axis including one or more stop discs that rotate with the drive shaft of the lathe and that can be selectively stopped from rotating with the shaft by a stop mechanism. In response to such stopping, one or more adjustment discs are caused to rotate in order to adjust the relative position of the axis of the lathe with respect to the axis of the disc brake assembly. In this manner, the system compensates for and corrects lateral runout that exists between two concentrically attached rotating shafts.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically compensating for the lateral runout between an on-car lathe apparatus and a vehicle hub axis including one or more stop discs that rotate with the drive shaft of the lathe and that can be selectively stopped from rotating with the shaft by a stop mechanism. In response to such stopping, one or more adjustment discs are caused to rotate in order to adjust the relative position of the axis of the lathe with respect to the axis of the disc brake assembly. In this manner, the system compensates for and corrects lateral runout that exists between two concentrically attached rotating shafts.

Abstract: A part clamping fixture assembly for locating and holding a knuckle/hub assembly, including a knuckle, a wheel hub and a bearing, for final finishing of a flange face of the wheel hub includes a top portion, a first housing portion, and a second housing portion. The first housing portion is intended to engage a first appendage of the knuckle and the second housing portion is intended to engage a second appendage portion of the knuckle. The fixture assembly also includes a puller member having an upper end for communicating with a drive mechanism in order to rotate the knuckle/hub assembly and a lower end opposite the upper end. An encasing is disposed around the puller member and has a lower portion for contacting the bearing.

Abstract: A brake disc assembly including an inner hub (14) extending between a drive end (16) and a wheel end (18) and a disc flange (20) extending radially about the circumference of the inner hub (14) at the wheel end (18) with the inner hub (14) having a bore (22) extending between the ends for receiving a drive shaft. A brake disc has a base (26) attached to the disc flange (20) about the circumference of the inner hub (14) and a rotor (28) extends radially from the base (26) and presents parallel braking surfaces (30). A bearing assembly surrounds the hub (14) between the drive end (16) and the disc flange (20) for supporting the hub (14) with an outer race (32) presents a support flange (34) for attachment to a support structure (36) and an inner race member (58) is disposed about the drive end (16).

Abstract: An on-car disc brake lathe system for resurfacing a brake disc of a vehicle brake assembly includes a lathe body with a driving motor, a cutting head operably attached to the lathe body, and a drive shaft. The system also includes an alignment system having an electronic controller, input and output adaptors configured to rotate with the drive shaft, one or more adjustment discs, and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment disc is positioned between the input adaptor and the output adaptor, and an axial alignment of the input adaptor relative to the output adaptor may be varied based on a rotational orientation of the adjustment disc. The adjustment mechanism is configured to change the rotational orientation of the adjustment disc in response to commands from the electronic controller.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically compensating for the lateral runout between an on-car lathe apparatus and a vehicle hub axis including one or more stop discs that rotate with the drive shaft of the lathe and that can be selectively stopped from rotating with the shaft by a stop mechanism. In response to such stopping, one or more adjustment discs are caused to rotate in order to adjust the relative position of the axis of the lathe with respect to the axis of the disc brake assembly. In this manner, the system compensates for and corrects lateral runout that exists between two concentrically attached rotating shafts.

Abstract: A lathe adapter/apparatus for reshaping surfaces of a brake rotor and eliminating run-out comprising an adapter plate assembly mounted on an adapter mounting member with a first fixed plate of the plate assembly defining a first planar end surface perpendicular to the axis of adapter mounting member and a second planar end surface that forms an angle with the axis. A movable plate is mounted on the adapter mounting member adjacent the fixed plate, the moveable plate defining a first planar end surface perpendicular to the axis of the adapter mounting member and a second planar end surface that forms an angle with the axis, the angled end surface of the first movable plate member engaging the angled end surface of the first fixed plate.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for use in connection with motor driven machine tools such as engine lathes of the character used to dress the brake shoe and brake pad engaging surface of automobile brake drums and rotors. The safety apparatus can be quickly and easily attached to conventional brake drum/disc dressing lathes without the necessity of substantially modifying the lathes, does not interfere with the normal machining processes and yet fully protects the operator from accidentally contacting the rotating work pieces during the dressing operation. The apparatus includes novel safety switch mechanisms which positively prevent energization of a motor of the lathe using the factory installed "on-off" switch of the machine so long as the safety guard is in a raised position. Accordingly, required work piece set-up operations can be accomplished only through use of a specially wired foot switch which permits controlled, intermittent energization of the lathe motor by the operator.

Abstract: A kit for use in attaching and securing workpieces comprising hubless brake drums and rotors of various sizes on a lathe includes an arbor mount comprising a substantially cylindrical tube portion with an enlarged terminal member at one end. The arbor mount has a central bore adapted to receptive the shaft of the lathe. The kit also includes a pair of backing plates which can acommodate various sized workpieces. Each plate has a central hole with a diameter of sufficient size so that the tube portion of the arbor mount may pass therethrough. The first side of each plate is adapted to receive the terminal member of the arbor mount, and each plate is adapted to be positioned over the tube portion of the arbor mount with the terminal member behind a workpiece. The kit also includes a pair of centering cones which can accommodate various sized workpieces.

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: A fixture for holding a brake drum or other similarly shaped workpiece for machining. The fixture includes a body having a body cavity and a clamping assembly disposed therein. The clamping assembly includes a positioning plate having a plurality of positioning posts secured thereto. The positioning posts are received within fastener apertures formed in the brake drum mounting face for locating the drum within the fixture so that the drum axis is coaxially aligned with the fixture axis for proper machining. The clamping assembly further includes a clamping plate and clamping flange for clamping the mounting face of the brake drum during machining to simulate the compressive forces applied to the drum as it is mounted to a vehicle during operation. The fixture further includes first and second pluralities of chucking assemblies for gripping the body of the brake drum along respective first and second spaced apart planes thereby reducing distortions caused by the cutting tool during machining.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a brake disc assembly comprising the steps of inserting a fixture post (72) through a bore (22) in the hub (14) and disposing a nose-shaped pressure plate (74) into a pocket (73) within the circumference of the inner hub (14) with a washer/nut (78) over the pressure plate (74) to place the post (72) in tension against the bearing assembly to maintain a pre-load on the bearing assembly. The outer race (32) of the bearing assembly is clamped with the gage surface (54) drawn against a gage (84) to properly orient the outer race (32) about a fixed axis (A). A spoke or disc (77) extends radially from the pressure plate (74) and is disposed in axially spaced relationship to the base (26) of the brake disc to be in circumferential driving relationship with the studs (64).

Abstract: A method for fabricating a brake disc assembly comprising the steps of machining a radially extending gage surface (54) on the support flange (34) of an outer race (32) of a bearing assembly disposed around a hub (14) and inserting a fixture post (72) through a spring washer (68) and through the bore (22) in the hub (14). A clamp plate (74) is disposed in engagement with the base (26) of the brake disc with a washer/nut (78) over the clamp plate (74) to place the post (72) in tension to urge the spring washer (68) against the bearing assembly tomaintain the pre-load on the bearing assembly. The outer race (32) of the bearing assembly is clamped with the gage surface (54) drawn against a gage (84) to properly orient the outer race (32) about a fixed axis A. Thereafter, the clamp plate (74) is engaged by rotating jaws (90) which rotate about a floating axis B.

Abstract: Lathes for working brake rotors and other components as desired. The lathes employ a pivoting carriage which mounts a tool for working, cutting, finishing or otherwise having a desired effect on the workpiece. Control of carriage positioning is accomplished preferably using a feedscrew, hydraulic or other desired linkage which is connected, directly or indirectly, to the carriage and to the frame of the lathe (other mechanisms or linkages may also be used). Such lathes may also employ a slide carriage for working brake drums, which carriage is preferably located on the side of the lathe opposite the pivoting carriage. The slide carriage may be easily removed and sold as a separate unit to allow a number of options for buyers.

Abstract: A method of machining a wheel hub and brake component in which the braking friction surface is machined together with the hub bearing journal and seat while the hub and braking component are mounted to a single work holding tool thus enabling both surfaces to be machined relative to one another with close tolerances. In the case of a two-piece wheel hub and rotor assembly, the rotor is mounted to the hub in a manner which establishes the relative position of the rotor relative to the hub prior to machining the hub and rotor.

Abstract: It is the object of the present invention to drill a hole and, at the same time, transmitting an application force exactly to an undercutter for forming an undercut space in the cylindrical wall of the hole at a position near the hole bottom. An apparatus according to the present invention includes a rear circular member 1, a sleeve 10 supported in telescopic engagement with the rear member 1, an undercutter 5, and a front annular member 15 linking and movable with the undercutter 5. The sleeve 10 has an inner flange 13 forward from the rear member 1. An application force transmission mechanism 18 comprises a cam 20 supported by the rear member 1. The cam 20 has a pair of steps 21 and 22. The transmission mechanism 18 also comprises a first impact transmission rod 23 extending between the cam step 21 and sleeve flange 13, and a second impact transmission rod 24 extending between the step 22 and front member 15.

Abstract: A tandem tool point apparatus for simultaneously machining surfaces on opposite sides of a thin wall may be used on an annulus having flat machining surfaces or on a circular wall having curved machining surfaces. The tool has spaced apart first and second tool points mounted in first and second tool holders respectively and a coupling element for coupling the first and second tool holders together to maintain the first and second tool points in tandem during a machining operation on the opposite sides of the wall. The apparatus preferably includes a tandem adjusting element for simultaneously adjusting the space between the tool points. A spacer may be used between the holders extending longitudinally over a portion of a length of the holders and the adjusting element longitudinally disposed between the tool points.