Abstract: A microfinishing machine particularly adapted for microfinishing external cylindrical surfaces such as found on internal combustion engine crankshaft bearing journal. The machine includes a microfinishing tool assembly which presses an abrasive coated film against the workpiece and a gaging tool assembly which enables in-process diameter measurements to be made. The microfinishing tool assembly features means for shifting the center of pressure exerted on the abrasive coated film along the axial surface of the cylindrical surface being machined. Such adjustment can be achieved by shifting the pivot axis of the tool or by exerting an external torsional load onto the tool. The microfinishing tool assembly according to this invention allows axial form errors such as tapering of journal surfaces to be corrected in the microfinishing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for microfinishing an interior cylindrical surface. The apparatus includes a mechanism which holds and rotates the workpiece about an axis. A tool, having radially directed work areas, is positioned within the workpiece and causes a strip of abrasive sheet material, positioned over the work areas, to engage the rotating workpiece. With the abrasive sheet material engaging the rotating workpiece, the tool is axially oscillated.

Abstract: An improved micro-finishing machine is disclosed in which a transfer system is provided to move workpieces into and out of the machine in a path perpendicular to the axes of the machine drive rollers. The transfer system further enables an inprocess size control gauge to be added to the machine to monitor the diameter of the workpieces during micro-finishing. The machine offers greater flexibility by enabling the machine to be easily reconfigured to micro-finish other parts. The transfer system utilizes ejectors that are simple in construction, requiring a minimal number of components.

Abstract: Microfinishing devices and processes for in-process gauging of a microfinishing process of generally cylindrical workpieces. A size control shoe is used with a microfinishing shoe such that the diameter of a generally cylindrical workpiece can be continually monitored during the microfinishing process. Once a predetermined diameter or workpiece geometry is achieved, the machining process can be terminated. Several embodiments of size control shoes are disclosed which are particularly adapted for retrofit applications for existing microfinishing equipment. A "masterless" microfinishing machine is also described having arms which engage the size control and microfinishing shoes which follow the path of the workpiece during machining. Since the shoes must be maintained in engagement with the workpiece after a desired diameter is achieved, the pressure applied by the microfinishing arms is relieved until all of the workpiece surfaces are machined.

Abstract: Microfinishing devices and processes for in-process gauging of a microfinishing process of generally cylindrical workpieces. A size control shoe is used with a microfinishing shoe such that the diameter of a generally cylindrical workpiece can be continually monitored during the microfinishing process. Once a predetermined diameter or workpiece geometry is achieved, the machining process can be terminated. Several embodiments of size control shoes are disclosed which are particularly adapted for retrofit applications for existing microfinishing equipment. A "masterless" microfinishing machine is also described having arms which engage the size control and microfinishing shoes which follow the path of the workpiece during machining. Since the shoes must be maintained in engagement with the workpiece after a desired diameter is achieved, the pressure applied by the microfinishing arms is relieved until all of the workpiece surfaces are machined.

Abstract: A microfinishing machine and tooling particularly adapted for lobed cam surfaces such as internal combustion engine camshafts or outer irregular surfaces. The microfinishing tooling includes shoes having a pair of rollers which press abrasive coated film material against the workpiece being machined. The rollers are carried by a plate which is also free to rotate slightly. The roller elements are free to rotate and therefore wear on the tooling is minimized in response to minute motion of the microfinishing film during the microfinishing process. Furthermore, the roller elements closely follow the contours of the workpiece surface to provide a more uniform machining effect. Various configurations for the roller elements are disclosed, including a unitary roller made of a hard material and another embodiment in which the roller is coated with an elastomeric material.

Abstract: A microfinishing apparatus and method is disclosed particularly useful for microfinishing workpiece surfaces such as are found in journal bearings and cylinder bores. This invention improves over conventional machines and methods wherein coated abrasive tape is brought into contact with a relatively rotating workpiece surface and is pressed against that surface by an elastomeric plastic insert. According to this invention, the insert is made from a relatively rigid substance such as honing material stone. Since the insert is made from a rigid material, the insert surface shape is generated in the workpiece surface and therefore geometry corrections in the workpiece surface can be accomplished. In alternate embodiments of this invention, the rigid inserts have relieved portions or noncylindrical surfaces such that a desired surface profile in the workpiece surface is generated. In another embodiment, one or more flexible inserts are added to the rigid insert enabling the fillet radius area to be microfinished.

Abstract: A production system for simultaneously correcting multiple distortions in multiple extensions of an irregular workpiece within tolerance requirements including for each distortion a gauge for determining direction and magnitude automatically employed to monitor corrective deflection beyond yield point under an electronic controller program which automatically initiates, controls, and terminates simultaneous corrective deflection in either or both of two planes at each of multiple workpiece locations. The program is adapted to vary with the relative as well as the individual distortions and to update the straightening program with the straightening experience data of each successive workpiece in order to approach an optimum of simultaneous single stroke corrective deflection of the multiple distortions in multiple planes within total workpiece tolerances.

Abstract: An automatic production workpiece straightener employing pulsing impact hammer peening blows on the concave curvature side of a distorted workpiece to straighten by imparting compressive stress to the surface fibers thereby permanently deflecting the workpiece in a straightening direction. As applied to rotatable shafts such as cast iron camshafts, a plurality of peening heads deliver rapidly pulsing axially spaced impact blows to cylindrical grooves in the shaft during a limited portion of each continuous revolution as required to provide straightening action with continuous or peening-interrupted automatic gauging for controlling and terminating the straightening action.

Abstract: A universal crankshaft pin and main bearing finishing machine having one pair of pin and main bearing arms with finishing shoes simultaneously engageable with one pair of pin and main bearings. A programmable controller and encoders automatically monitor drives which position and oscillate the arms over the width of the bearings for each pair of pin and main bearings until all required bearings of the crankshaft are finished. Adjustment and automatic programs are provided for different crankshafts which may vary in length, number of cylinders, stroke, axial location and width of bearings.

Abstract: A production system for correcting distortions in a workpiece within tolerance requirements including for each distortion a gauge for determining direction and magnitude automatically employed to control corrective deflection beyond yield point under a program which increases with gauged distortion. Two specific applications of the system are disclosed for straightening axle shafts relative to a central axis and for straightening distorted caliper and steering arms of an automotive steering knuckle.