Abstract: A system for assembling a vehicle drive shaft is provided with the steps of installing yokes on respective ends of a drive shaft tube, each yoke having first and second bores therethrough for receiving respective distal ends of respective spider arrangements, and rolling the outer edges of the bores using carbide rollers to urge a portion of the material of the yoke to overlie radially the respectively associated distal end of the spider arrangement. Datums are defined on the yokes and the shaft tube for determining a spatial relationship between the yokes and shaft tube. The rolling of the bore of the yoke is performed while the spider, the bearing caps, and the retention elements are maintained in preload to achieve zero tolerance. Prior to roller forming the outer edge of the bore, the spider arrangement is supported on the true rotating center of the drive shaft tube.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for friction welding termination elements at first and second ends (21, 23) of a cylindrical shaft (15) in alaignment with an axis. A shaft receiver (17) receives the cylindrical shaft (15), and a first chuck (70) grips and rotates the cylindrical shaft (15) in alignment with the axis. A second chuck (75) grips the cylindrical shaft (15) and translates the second chuck (75) between first and second axial positions. A first termination receiver (155) receives the first termination (30) and axially translates same to a first installation position. An installation drive (90) urges the first termination (30) axially toward the cylindrical shaft (15) as it is rotated. A second termination receiver axially translates second termination (32) to a second installation position in allignment with the axis. A second installation drive (91) urges the second termination element (32) axially toward the cylindrical shaft as it is rotated.

Abstract: A gear system having a rotatory input is isolated while subjected to test for torsional and linear vibration. The gear system is installed on an isolation support that affords multiple degrees of freedom with respect to a base, whereby torsional and linear vibrations are analyzed. The resonance of the isolation support can be configured to simulate a vehicle, or to be significantly different therefrom. The gear system is clamped in a manner that permits the multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base, via an engagement arrangement that secures the gear system to the isolation support. Rotatory energy is provided as torque without significant axial or transaxial bias. Processes for signal analysis enable “pass/fail” determinations with respect to torsional vibration, linear vibration, noise of the system under test, and the presence of bumps or nicks in the gear system.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a drive shaft (11) for a vehicle, the drive shaft (11) having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends. There is provided a drive arrangement for coupling to the first end of the drive shaft and applying a rotatory force to the drive shaft (11). A second end support arrangement rotationally supports the drive shaft (11) at its second end. Also, a transaxial drive (35) for applying a transverse force in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft (11). The transaxial drive includes a transaxially displaceable roller arrangement for communicating with an outer surface of the drive shaft (11) in a region thereof intermediate of the drive arrangement and the support arrangement, via which the transverse force is applied. The transverse force has a magnitude sufficient to cause bending of the drive shaft (11) in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis thereof as the drive shaft is rotated.

Abstract: A drive coupling arrangement for transmitting torque from a drive arrangement to a gear assembly under test has a first coupler portion attached to the gear assembly under test. The coupler has a polygonal cross-sectional configuration and a plurality of substantially planar surfaces that extend parallel to the predetermined length of axis, in the form of an assembly nut of the gear assembly under test at a rotatory terminal thereof. A second coupler portion is coupled to the drive arrangement and has an internal cross-sectional configuration that accommodates the polygonal cross-sectional configuration of the first coupler portion. The second coupler portion has a plurality of engagement portions that communicate exclusively with a predetermined number of the substantially planar surfaces of the first coupler portion, and is axially translatable along the first coupler portion.

Abstract: A system for verifying the quality of a pressing operation of a press-fit part onto a receiving portion of a receiving assembly. The system is applicable to the installation of a bearing cup onto a shaft, or a valve seat into a cylinder head. A probe measures a predetermined dimension of the press-fit part to establish a first measurement value. In the case of a valve seat installed a receiving pocket of a cylinder head, a measuring probe is inserted into the receiving pocket of the cylinder head to measure its depth. The depth is recorded as a second measurement value. The valve seat is then pressed into the pocket, and the residual depth is measured to determine the distance between the outermost surface of the pressed in valve seat and the outer surface of the receiving pocket. A computation compares the depth of the pocket against the thickness of the valve seat to determine a difference which is then compared to the residual depth.

Abstract: An arrangement for isolating a differential axle system while it is subjected to a test process for noise, also reduces the noise contribution of the differential gear set by coupling a load directly to the differential gear set shaft. The isolation arrangement has a suspension arrangement that supports the differential axle system above the base supports. In a different embodiment, the isolation support supports the differential axle system, yet affords multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base. The differential axle system is clamped in a manner that permits the multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base, via an engagement arrangement that secures the differential axle system to the isolation support. The engagement arrangement has a first position with respect to the base wherein the differential axle system is installable on, and removable from, the isolation support, and a second position wherein the differential axle system is secured to the isolation support.

Abstract: A system for verifying the quality of a pressing operation of a press-fit part onto a receiving portion of a receiving assembly. The system is applicable to the installation of a bearing cup onto a shaft, or a valve seat into a cylinder head. A probe measures a predetermined dimension of the press-fit part to establish a first measurement value. In the case of a valve seat installed a receiving pocket of a cylinder head, a measuring probe is inserted into the receiving pocket of the cylinder head to measure its depth. The depth is recorded as a second measurement value. The valve seat is then pressed into the pocket, and the residual depth is measured to determine the distance between the outermost surface of the pressed in valve seat and the outer surface of the receiving pocket. A computation compares the depth of the pocket against the thickness of the valve seat to determine a difference which is then compared to the residual depth.

Abstract: A drive coupling arrangement for transmitting torque from a drive arrangement to a gear assembly under test has a first coupler portion attached to the gear assembly under test. The coupler has a polygonal cross-sectional configuration and a plurality of substantially planar surfaces that extend parallel to the predetermined length of axis, in the form of an assembly nut of the gear assembly under test at a rotatory terminal thereof. A second coupler portion is coupled to the drive arrangement and has an internal cross-sectional configuration that accommodates the polygonal cross-sectional configuration of the first coupler portion. The second coupler portion has a plurality of engagement portions that communicate exclusively with a predetermined number of the substantially planar surfaces of the first coupler portion, and is axially translatable along the first coupler portion.

Abstract: A system for verifying the quality of a pressing operation of a press-fit part onto a receiving portion of a receiving assembly. The system is applicable to the installation of a bearing cup onto a shaft, or a valve seat into a cylinder head. A probe measures a predetermined dimension of the press-fit part to establish a first measurement value. In the case of a valve seat installed a receiving pocket of a cylinder head, a measuring probe is inserted into the receiving pocket of the cylinder head to measure its depth. The depth is recorded as a second measurement value. The valve seat is then pressed into the pocket, and the residual depth is measured to determine the distance between the outermost surface of the pressed in valve seat and the outer surface of the receiving pocket. A computation compares the depth of the pocket against the thickness of the valve seat to determine a difference which is then compared to the residual depth.

Abstract: An arrangement for isolating an energy transfer system while it is subjected to a test process for noise. The energy transfer system is of the type having an energy input and at least one energy output, and may be mechanical or electrical. The isolation arrangement has a base that supports the energy transfer system in isolation support supporting the energy transfer system, yet affords multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base. The energy transfer system is clamped in a manner that permits the multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base, via an engagement arrangement that secures the energy transfer system to the isolation support. The engagement arrangement has a first position with respect to the base wherein the energy transfer system is installable on, and removable from, the isolation support, and a second position wherein the energy transfer system is secured to the isolation support means.

Abstract: An arrangement for isolating an energy transfer system while it is subjected to a test process for noise. The energy transfer system is of the type having an energy input and at least one energy output, and may be mechanical or electrical. The isolation arrangement has a base that supports the energy transfer system. An isolation support supporting the energy transfer system, yet affords multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base. The energy transfer system is clamped in a manner that permits the multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base, via an engagement arrangement that secures the energy transfer system to the isolation support. The engagement arrangement has a first position with respect to the base wherein the energy transfer system is installable on, and removable from, the isolation support, and a second position wherein the energy transfer system is secured to the isolation support means.

Abstract: A system for verifying the quality of a pressing operation of a press-fit part onto a receiving portion of a receiving assembly. The system is applicable to the installation of a bearing cup onto a shaft, or a valve seat into a cylinder head. A probe measures a predetermined dimension of the press-fit part to establish a first measurement value. In the case of a valve seat installed a receiving pocket of a cylinder head, a measuring probe is inserted into the receiving pocket of the cylinder head to measure its depth The depth is recorded as a second measurement value The valve seat is then pressed into the pocket, and the residual depth is measured to determine the distance between the outermost surface of the pressed in valve seat and the outer surface of the receiving pocket. A computation compares the depth of the pocket against the thickness of the valve seat to determine a difference which is then compared to the residual depth.

Abstract: An arrangement for isolating an energy transfer system while it is subjected to a test process for noise. The energy transfer system is of the type having an energy input and at least one energy output, and may be mechanical or electrical. The isolation arrangement has a base that supports the energy transfer system. An isolation support supporting the energy transfer system, yet affords multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base. The energy transfer system is clamped in a manner that permits the multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base, via an engagement arrangement that secures the energy transfer system to the isolation support. The engagement arrangement has a first position with respect to the base wherein the energy transfer system is installable on, and removable from, the isolation support, and a second position wherein the energy transfer system is secured to the isolation support means.

Abstract: An arrangement for isolating a differential axle system while it is subjected to a test process for noise, also reduces the noise contribution of the differential gear set by coupling a load directly to the differential gear set shaft. The isolation arrangement has a suspension arrangement that supports the differential axle system above the base supports. In a different embodiment, the isolation support supports the differential axle system, yet affords multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base. The differential axle system is clamped in a manner that permits the multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base, via an engagement arrangement that secures the differential axle system to the isolation support. The engagement arrangement has a first position with respect to the base wherein the differential axle system is installable on, and removable from, the isolation support, and a second position wherein the differential axle system is secured to the isolation support.

Abstract: A system for verifying the quality of a pressing operation of a press-fit part onto a receiving portion of a receiving assembly. The system is applicable to the installation of a bearing cup onto a shaft, or a valve seat into a cylinder head. A probe measures a predetermined dimension of the press-fit part to establish a first measurement value. In the case of a valve seat installed a receiving pocket of a cylinder head, a measuring probe is inserted into the receiving pocket of the cylinder head to measure its depth. The depth is recorded as a second measurement value. The valve seat is then pressed into the pocket, and the residual depth is measured to determine the distance between the outermost surface of the pressed in valve seat and the outer surface of the receiving pocket. A computation compares the depth of the pocket against the thickness of the valve seat to determine a difference which is then compared to the residual depth.

Abstract: An arrangement for exercising (or burnishing) the intake and exhaust valves in the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine employs a plurality of out-of-phase eccentric cams coupled to a source of rotatory motion. The eccentric cams engage with respective linear drive arrangements that are urged into out-of-phase reciprocation with respect to each other. The linear drives urge the valves into repeated open and closed states where, in combination with valve rotators, burnishing of the sealing portion of the valves with the valves seats to improve the seal therebetween is effected. The use of eccentric cams to effect linear reciprocating motion achieves control over both directions of movement of the linear drive arrangements. The cylinder head is maintained in fixed relation to the linear drive arrangements by a hydraulic, pneumatic, or other form of ram, the ram also creating a test chamber.

Abstract: An arrangement for isolating a differential axle system while it is subjected to a test process for noise, also reduces the noise contribution of the differential gear set by coupling a load directly to the differential gear set shaft. The isolation arrangement has a suspension arrangement that supports the differential axle system above the base supports. In a different embodiment, the isolation support supports the differential axle system, yet affords multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base. The differential axle system is clamped in a manner that permits the multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base, via an engagement arrangement that secures the differential axle system to the isolation support. The engagement arrangement has a first position with respect to the base wherein the differential axle system is installable on, and removable from, the isolation support, and a second position wherein the differential axle system is secured to the isolation support.

Abstract: A drive coupling arrangement for transmitting torque from a drive arrangement to a gear assembly under test has a first coupler portion attached to the gear assembly under test. The coupler has a polygonal cross-sectional configuration and a plurality of substantially planar surfaces that extend parallel to the predetermined length of axis, in the form of an assembly nut of the gear assembly under test at a rotatory terminal thereof. A second coupler portion is coupled to the drive arrangement and has an internal cross-sectional configuration that accommodates the polygonal cross-sectional configuration of the first coupler portion. The second coupler portion has a plurality of engagement portions that communicate exclusively with a predetermined number of the substantially planar surfaces of the first coupler portion, and is axially translatable along the first coupler portion.

Abstract: A drive coupling arrangement for transmitting torque from a drive arrangement to a gear assembly under test is provided with a first coupler portion attached to the gear assembly under test. The coupler has a polygonal cross-sectional configuration and has a plurality of substantially planar surfaces that extend parallel to the predetermined length of axis, in the form of an assembly nut of the gear assembly under test at a rotatory terminal thereof. A second coupler portion is coupled to the drive arrangement and has an internal cross-sectional configuration that accommodates the polygonal cross-sectional configuration of the first coupler portion. The second coupler portion has a plurality of engagement portions that communicate exclusively with a predetermined number of the substantially planar surfaces of the first coupler portion, and is axially translatable along the first coupler portion for a portion of its length of axis.