Abstract: A workpiece support tool is disclosed for use with in providing an infinite variety of positions to receive and engage workpieces of differing shapes and sizes. The workpiece support tool provides precise support and positioning of the workpiece with respect to an operational centerline. The support tool includes a plurality of radially moving jaw members having support surfaces for supporting the inner circumference of the workpiece. The jaw members are expanded and contracted in solely radial movement through driving forces imparted by a position encoded servo drive motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of generating an electronic bobweight signal used to offset an unbalance signal before the unbalance signal is received at the input portion of the electronic circuitry of the unbalance detection system. The electronic bobweight signal and unbalance signal are matched in their phase angle and are each sampled a specified number of equally spaced times per revolution of the workpiece to provide accurate bobweighted unbalance data without the need for use of physical bobweights and their inherent disadvantages.

Abstract: A tire balance audit apparatus with an improved tire support tool is disclosed. The tire support tool utilizes a plurality of jaw members, each driven radially by a ball screw, to engage, center and level an unbalanced tire about the centerline of an unbalance measuring device. The tire is supported solely through engagement of the bead of the tire with the individual jaw members.

Abstract: An improved workpiece support tool is disclosed for use with a variety of workpieces. The support tool provides precise support and positioning of the workpiece with respect to an operational centerline during the balancing operation. The support tool includes a plurality of radially moving jaw members which are driven by an inverted cone-shaped drive member. The inverted cone-shaped drive member is moved along the axis of the support tool through driving forces imparted by a servo drive motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of generating an electronic bobweight signal used to offset an unbalanced signal before the unbalance signal is received at the input portion of the electronic circuitry of the unbalance detection system. The electronic bobweight signal and unbalance signal are matched in their phase angle and are each sampled a specified number of equally spaced times per revolution of the workpiece to provide accurate bobweighted unbalance data without the need for use of physical bobweights and their inherent disadvantages.

Abstract: An improved workpiece support tooling for a balancing machine is disclosed having a unique two point contact system for the workpiece. The two point contact system provides extremely accurate centering and leveling of the workpiece with respect to the unbalance detection plane of the balancing machine. The support tooling of the present invention is also easily adaptable to various weights and geometric of workpiece.