Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for automated induction hardening of crankshaft bearings while controlling the crankshaft TIR, in which one or more first bearings are hardened by induction heating and quenching, followed by measurement of the crankshaft TIR. The measured TIR is then evaluated and one or more second bearings are hardened using a second induction heating power profile and a second quench flow profile, at least one of which is selectively adjusted according to the measured crankshaft TIR. In this manner, the hardening of the second bearing(s) can counteract any bending or warpage caused by the first hardening process to control the resulting final TIR of the crankshaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hardening the concentric main bearing surfaces and orbital pin bearing surfaces of a crankshaft for an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes an inductor that is connected to a high frequency power source with a power controller to cause the power source to direct a given power to the inductor at given rotational heating positions of the crankshaft. A master controller creates output signals to control the power controller. The apparatus and method includes a first multi-surface hardening station with inductors for all of the main bearing surfaces, a second multi-surface hardening station with inductors for some of the orbital pins and a third multi-surface hardening station with inductors for the remaining orbital pins. Total indicator run out (TIR) is measured after the first station to adjust the heating process in the third station to produce a straight crankshaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hardening the concentric main bearing surfaces and orbital pin bearing surfaces of a crankshaft for an internal combustion engine rotatable about the common center axis of the main bearing surfaces. The apparatus comprising an inductor for encircling each one of the surfaces to be hardened over at least a portion of the surface and riding on the surface where the inductors are connected to a high frequency power source with a power controller to cause the power source to direct a given power to the inductor at given rotational heating positions of the crankshaft. A quench chamber is associated with the inductor and has outlet orifices directed toward the surface encircled by the inductor. A supply of quenching liquid with a flow controller directs a given quantity of quench liquid against the surface after the surface has been inductively heated by the inductor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for automated induction hardening of crankshaft bearings while controlling the crankshaft TIR, in which one or more first bearings are hardened by induction heating and quenching, followed by measurement of the crankshaft TIR. The measured TIR is then evaluated and one or more second bearings are hardened using a second induction heating power profile and a second quench flow profile, at least one of which is selectively adjusted according to the measured crankshaft TIR. In this manner, the hardening of the second bearing(s) can counteract any bending or warpage caused by the first hardening process to control the resulting final TIR of the crankshaft.

Abstract: An inductor is provided for removing paint from a workpiece traveling along a longitudinal path and having a vertical stem portion intersecting the path and a hook portion having a juncture with the stem portion and extending laterally to one side of the path. The inductor has front and rear ends and the workpiece travels along the path in the direction from the front end to the rear end. The inductor comprises a coil having first and second ends for connection to a power source and a plurality of elongated conductor segments connected in series between the ends and located on opposite sides of and parallel to the path and inductively coupled with the hook and stem portions of the workpiece for heating the latter to remove the paint therefrom.