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.

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.