Abstract: A hollow tubular balance shaft member having bobweights of minimal mass. The tubular member is preferably made by a deep drawn process. One or more bobweights is positioned in the tubular member during formation thereof. The invention can be used for all vehicle engines which need counterbalancing mechanisms, such as 90° V-6 engines and inline four cylinder engines. Various mechanisms can be used to secure and hold the bobweights in position in the tubular member, such as welding, adhesive bonding, staking, brazing, and the like. One end of the balance shaft member has a drive member on which a drive gear is positioned and used to rotate the balance shaft by the engine.

Abstract: A crankshaft damper hub (10) for attachment to an engine crankshaft (34) has an outer rim (44) and a center portion (46). The center portion (46) has a passageway (56) formed therethrough for receipt of an engine crankshaft (34). A plurality of spokes (60) extend between the outer rim (44) and the center portion (46). An opening (66) is formed in each of the plurality of spokes (60) with a tab (72) formed therein for engagement with a tool to facilitate removal of the hub (10) from the crankshaft (34).

Abstract: A balance shaft for rotating machinery such as a vehicle engine which minimizes the mass or weight of the balance shaft by optimizing the material usage in accordance with the standards and parameters established for the balance shaft. For rotating couple-type shafts, the two balance weights each have surfaces substantially forming hyperbolic curves. In addition, the connector portion between the balance weights has a cross-section with recessed sides in order to reduce the mass or weight of the balance shaft. For single unbalance-type shafts, the connector portion also has a cross-section with recessed sides.