Toothed Gear Patents (Class 73/162)
  • Patent number: 11504916
    Abstract: A three-dimensional shaping apparatus includes a plasticizing section that includes a drive motor, a heater, and a screw rotated by the drive motor and that plasticizes a material to form a shaping material, a moving mechanism section that changes a relative position of an ejection section that ejects the shaping material toward a stage to the stage, a state observation section that observes a state of the drive motor or the heater, a prediction section that predicts a service life arrival time of the drive motor or the heater from an observation result of the state observation section, a notification section, and a control unit that controls the plasticizing section and the moving mechanism section to shape a three-dimensional shaped article based on shaping data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 11326683
    Abstract: A method for controlling a process for manufacturing a bevel gear includes forming, via a first process, a ring gear and determining a first set of parameters associated with the ring gear, and forming, via a second process, the pinion gear, and determining a second set of parameters associated with the pinion gear. The ring gear and the pinion gear are paired, and a single-flank test is executed on the paired ring gear and pinion gear to determine a third set of parameters. The paired ring gear and pinion gear are assembled into a final assembly, and an end-of-line noise/vibration analysis of the final assembly is executed. The noise/vibration analysis, the first set of parameters, the second set of parameters, and the third set of parameters are evaluated, and one of the first process, the second process, the pairing process, and the assembly process are adjusted based thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hai Xu, Jeffrey N. Heaton, Scott M. Neher, Brian T. King, Syed M. Raza, Travis Bussell
  • Patent number: 10775249
    Abstract: A flexible drive shaft test arrangement includes a drive end piece arranged along a rotation axis, a driven end piece axially offset from the drive end piece along the rotation axis, and a shell. The shell connects the drive end piece to the driven end piece. The drive end piece end is offset in rotation about the driven end piece to internally load a flexible drive shaft disposed within the shell with torsion. Test stands and methods for testing flexible drive shafts are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Raghu Iyer, Timothy H. Barber
  • Patent number: 10495010
    Abstract: A method of protecting a multi-function drive axle system from damage, comprising the steps of: determining the axle torque and speed from sensors positioned on the multi-function drive axle system; using the axle torque and speed to approximate damage values for the driveline of the multi-function drive axle system; comparing the approximated values of driveline damage with driveline damage durability targets; identifying if the approximated values of driveline damage exceed the driveline damage durability targets; and limiting the engine torque and/or speed to produce an axle torque and speed corresponding to driveline damage values that do not exceed the driveline damage durability targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Nellums, Donald J. Remboski, Steven J. Wesolowski
  • Patent number: 10480635
    Abstract: A rotation transmission device having a high torque measurement resolution is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Matsuda, Daisuke Gunji, Masafumi Hikida, Kazutaka Tanaka, Tooru Ueda, Tetsu Takehara, Tomoharu Saito, Hiroyasu Yoshioka, Yuka Kaneko
  • Patent number: 9846144
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a defect of a press panel includes: an acoustic emission sensor unit configured to detect at least one elastic wave signal emitted from the press panel as a detection target during press work, a period measurer configured to measure a period as a section in which there are consecutive signals with a greater voltage than a threshold voltage among the at least one detected signals, and a defect existence determination unit configured to determine that a defect is generated in the press panel when the measured period is greater than a first reference value, and to determine that the press panel is in a normal state when the measured period is smaller than a second reference value which is smaller than the first reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, UNIST Academy-Industry Research Corporation
    Inventors: Jae Ryeon Hwang, ByungHun Kim, Franklin Bien, Hyon Gi Yoo, Chan Woo Jeong, Nguyen Ngoc Quang, Liu Zhenyi, Seul Ki Rom Kim
  • Patent number: 9689775
    Abstract: A first and/or a second electrical machine is tested using a test apparatus that includes a torque transmitter having torque connections for the first and the second electrical machine and an electrical shaft having respective electrical connections for the first and the second electrical machine. The electrical shaft is designed to transmit at least five times as much electrical power between the respective electrical connections as can be supplied by a supply apparatus of the test apparatus from an external electrical energy source to the electrical shaft. This condition is assumed to be satisfied when the test apparatus lacks such a supply apparatus. A corresponding method using such test apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Matthias Deicke
  • Patent number: 9671310
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring cluster gears for run-out employs a plurality of master gears, each engageable with one of the gears of the cluster and each supported on a fluid cylinder powered slide movable radially to a gear to be measured. As the gear to be measured is rotated, the radial motion of the slides is sensed and compared to maximum values by a computer. An additional master gear, having sections engageable with each gear of a cluster simultaneously on its own slide, may be provided to measure the total run-out of the cluster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Automation Controls & Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Predrag Lazic, Chris Mackey, Steve Moore
  • Publication number: 20150143890
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of checking an alignment between a first gear and a second gear using a tool is provided. The tool includes a base portion defining a longitudinal axis and an elongate portion extending from the base portion along a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Further, the second gear is received in an inner bore of the first gear. The method includes inserting at least partially the base portion of the tool within an inner bore of the second gear. The method also includes inserting a first pin extending from the elongate portion within a space between adjacent teeth of the first gear. The method further includes determining that the first gear is aligned with the second gear if a second pin extending from the elongate portion is received within a space between adjacent teeth of the second gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bharatkumar Meduru, Curtis J. Graham, Gunasekar Thangarasu, Ramshankar Muthukumar
  • Publication number: 20150135820
    Abstract: An apparatus including a first spindle group for chucking a first gear, whereby the first gear is mountable on the first spindle group so that it is rotatable, and a second spindle group for chucking a second gear, whereby the second gear is mountable on the second spindle group so that it is rotatable. The apparatus further defining a first linear axis oriented to perform a first linear displacement of the first spindle group relative to the second spindle group; a second linear axis oriented to perform a second linear displacement of the first spindle group relative to the second spindle group; and at least one of a swivel axis oriented to perform pivoting of the first spindle group thereabout, and a swivel axis oriented to perform pivoting of the second spindle group thereabout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Hartmuth Müller
  • Patent number: 8991246
    Abstract: A gear measuring method allows multi-point continuous measurement using a touch probe and is capable of reducing measuring time compared with known methods. For example, a base action for moving a sensing element of a touch probe along an ideal tooth form line of a workpiece (gear; W) or a tooth form line determined by calculation by controlling the movement of the sensing element and the rotation of the workpiece (W) and, in addition, an oscillation action for receiving first signals (ON signals or OFF signals) from the touch probe by bringing the sensing element into contact with the tooth surface of the workpiece during the base action and subsequently for receiving second signals (OFF signals or ON signals) from the touch probe by moving the touch probe in a direction along which the sensing element is separated from the tooth surface of the workpiece are continuously performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoko Hirono, Takahide Tokawa, Naohiro Otsuki, Yoshihiro Nose
  • Publication number: 20150013449
    Abstract: A gear inspection apparatus includes a distance measurement device, a value search part, a difference calculation part, a selecting part, a judgment value determination part, and a judgment part that are connected together in the named order. A raw waveform obtained by the distance measurement device is converted by the value search part into a rectangular waveform of maximum value and a rectangular waveform of minimum value for each prescribed number of gear teeth, and a difference between the maximum value and the minimum value is calculated by the difference calculation part. The difference is converted into a nick determination value by the judgment value determination part, and the presence or absence of a nick is determined by the judgment part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Sota Murata
  • Patent number: 8931336
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of measuring and inspecting a workpiece belonging to a gear pair, wherein the method is carried out on a gear cutting machine producing the workpiece, wherein a mating test piece mounted at the working head, in particular at the cutting head, is moved in the direction of the workpiece clamped in the workpiece mount of the machine table until the gear pair is in engagement and the corresponding working axial spacing is reached, the workpiece is driven via the drive movement of the mating test piece of the gear pair, the rotational position of the workpiece to be measured is recorded and the detected actual position is compared with a reference position and at least one value characterizing the rolling gear deviation of the workpiece is calculated while taking account of the comparison made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Oliver Winkel
  • Patent number: 8925380
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining the quality of a gearing system is described. The method includes the steps of setting a sequence of target angles of rotation of a first gear wheel, measuring for each of the target angles of rotation an output angle of rotation of a second gear wheel, and calculating a plurality of theoretical output angles of rotation. The method also includes obtaining angle of rotation differences between the plurality of output angles of rotation and the plurality of theoretical output angles of rotation, forming a sequence of cumulative values, and determining, based on the sequence, a first amplitude value, a second amplitude value or a third amplitude value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: TRIMBLE Jena GmbH
    Inventor: Mario Fischer
  • Patent number: 8844344
    Abstract: A gearbox test rig is provided for testing first and/or second gearboxes having power ratings of 1 MW or more. The gearbox test rig comprises a first coupler for coupling a low-speed shaft of a first gearbox to a low-speed shaft of a second gearbox such that forces can be transmitted between the low-speed shafts of the first and second gearboxes. The gearbox test rig further comprises a second coupler for coupling a high-speed shaft of the first gearbox to a high-speed shaft of the second gearbox such that forces can be transmitted between the high-speed shafts of the first and second gearboxes, wherein the second coupler comprises a hydraulic rotary actuator for regulating a torque which is applied to the high-speed shafts of the first and second gearboxes. Such a gearbox test rig is particularly useful for testing heavy duty gearboxes, such as those used in wind turbines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: MacTaggart Scott (Holdings) Limited
    Inventor: Alistair Plowman
  • Patent number: 8813595
    Abstract: A method for adjusting the meshing position of a hypoid gear having a first gear, and a second gear meshing with the first gear and transmitting the rotary motion thereof in the direction different from the extending direction of the axis of rotation of the first gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Kawakatsu, Yasuo Takeuchi, Hideki Komaba, Yutaka Yoshiba, Norikazu Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8783100
    Abstract: A method and device (10) for dynamically checking the teeth of a part (1) including a first motorized spindle (22), supporting the part (1) to be checked, is controlled by a first encoder (25), and a second motorized spindle (32), supporting a master pinion (2), is controlled by a second encoder (35). The two spindles (22, 32) are parallel and separated from one another with the master pinion (2) meshing with the part (1) to be checked. The master pinion (2) has a small thickness, compared to the part (1) to be checked, and the spindle (32) is mounted on a first carriage (43) which is movable in order to move the master pinion (2) along the profile of the teeth of the part (1) to be checked. This method and device allows characterizing both the radial defects and the angular defects of the teeth, and these defects being differentiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp System Engineering
    Inventors: Eric Fels, Hubert Schmitt
  • Patent number: 8733183
    Abstract: A method for detecting backlash and adjusting driveline variables, includes measuring torque transmitted between components across a torsional discontinuity, measuring driveline twist across the discontinuity, using a ratio of driveline twist divided by torque and an inverse of driveline stiffness to determine whether the driveline is entering, exiting or in a backlash zone, and using measured driveline twist and torque at the backlash zone to adjust reference values of driveline twist and torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Diana Yanakiev, Eric H. Tseng, Gregory M. Pietron, Yuji Fujii
  • Publication number: 20140046614
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of monitoring a wear of a gearbox in a power station, such as a windmill, water-wheel or tidal power station, the gearbox comprising at least two shafts, cogwheels and bearings as components of the gearbox. The method comprises sensing an angular position at the shafts by a rotational shaft encoder and monitoring the wear of the transmission-unit according to differences of the sensed angular positions and generating a condition signal representative of the wear of the gearbox according to the monitored differences. The monitoring comprises an additional sensing of at least one additional degree of freedom, in particular an axial and/or eccentric displacement, of at least one of the shafts caused by wear of at least one of the components of the gearbox, and generating the condition signal according to the displacement and differences in the at least two degrees of freedom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
    Inventor: Bo Pettersson
  • Publication number: 20130312512
    Abstract: A method and device (10) for dynamically checking the teeth of a part (1) including a first motorized spindle (22), supporting the part (1) to be checked, is controlled by a first encoder (25), and a second motorized spindle (32), supporting a master pinion (2), is controlled by a second encoder (35). The two spindles (22, 32) are parallel and separated from one another with the master pinion (2) meshing with the part (1) to be checked. The master pinion (2) has a small thickness, compared to the part (1) to be checked, and the spindle (32) is mounted on a first carriage (43) which is movable in order to move the master pinion (2) along the profile of the teeth of the part (1) to be checked. This method and device allows characterizing both the radial defects and the angular defects of the teeth, and these defects being differentiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: THYSSENKRUPP SYSTEM ENGINEERING S.A.S.
    Inventors: Eric Fels, Hubert Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20130019674
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining the quality of a gearing system is described. The method includes the steps of setting a sequence of target angles of rotation of a first gear wheel, measuring for each of the target angles of rotation an output angle of rotation of a second gear wheel, and calculating a plurality of theoretical output angles of rotation. The method also includes obtaining angle of rotation differences between the plurality of output angles of rotation and the plurality of theoretical output angles of rotation, forming a sequence of cumulative values, and determining, based on the sequence, a first amplitude value, a second amplitude value or a third amplitude value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: Trimble Jena GmbH
    Inventor: Mario Fischer
  • Patent number: 8316705
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for monitoring the health of mechanical and structure components of a machine. For example, the present invention is capable of monitoring the operational integrity of critical components of critical components of an aircraft such as the gearbox of a helicopter. The present invention is based on the principle of detecting a traceable substance when the substance is released from the component being monitored in the event of predetermined condition being satisfied, such as exceeding the operational temperature of the component, or a fault in the component occurring, such as a crack being formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: The Commonwealth of Australia
    Inventors: Albert Wong, Kelly Ann Tsoi, Paul Rawson, Dave Wynne
  • Publication number: 20120247199
    Abstract: A gear measuring method allows multi-point continuous measurement using a touch probe and is capable of reducing measuring time compared with known methods. For example, a base action for moving a sensing element of a touch probe along an ideal tooth form line of a workpiece (gear; W) or a tooth form line determined by calculation by controlling the movement of the sensing element and the rotation of the workpiece (W) and, in addition, an oscillation action for receiving first signals (ON signals or OFF signals) from the touch probe by bringing the sensing element into contact with the tooth surface of the workpiece during the base action and subsequently for receiving second signals (OFF signals or ON signals) from the touch probe by moving the touch probe in a direction along which the sensing element is separated from the tooth surface of the workpiece are continuously performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yoko Hirono, Takahide Tokawa, Naohiro Otsuki, Yoshihiro Nose
  • Patent number: 8180143
    Abstract: A gear inspection system and method for a gearbox, wherein an image acquisition unit is oriented proximate the gearbox with a field of view of a section of the gears. The image acquisition unit obtains images of a gear tooth and corresponding contact pattern. In one embodiment a processing unit transforms the images to a gear tooth model so that the gear tooth image and contact pattern image matches the model gear tooth. Metrics are computed for the contact pattern, and based on threshold values, a determination is made as to whether the gearbox is acceptable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sheri George, Sivaramanivas Ramaswamy, Abhinav Ramnath Bajpai
  • Publication number: 20120073364
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for assessing deterioration in a gearbox. Data is obtained from an operating gearbox regarding harmonic frequencies and their related sidebands generated as a consequence of the gearbox operation. In a first embodiment, a Sideband Energy Ratio (SER) is calculated by dividing the amplitude of the sum of sideband signals associated with a harmonic to the amplitude of the harmonic. In a second embodiment, a SER is calculated based on sideband amplitudes associated with adjacent harmonics. The ratio may be monitored over time or compared to one or more values to provide an indication of deterioration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Charles Terrance Hatch, Dustin Delany Hess, Adam Anthony Weiss, Summer Woodson, Matthew Benjamin Kalb
  • Patent number: 8091247
    Abstract: A gear shape measuring apparatus includes a supporting unit adapted to support a test gear so as to be rotatably driven about a first rotation axis, a gauge gear being rotatable about a second rotation axis while engaging with the test gear, an inter-axis angle setting portion for adjusting and setting a relative inclination angle between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, and allowing a distance between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis to be changed, a biasing member biasing the gauge gear against the test gear, a center-to-center distance measuring portion measuring the distance between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, and a measurement data processing portion processing a measurement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Eiri Nagata
  • Patent number: 7784345
    Abstract: A device (10) for measuring the running behavior of a gear pair having a rolling device (12) which comprises one spindle (15, 16) per gear (13, 14) and has at least one drive (17; 18) for driving one of the gears (13, 14). Furthermore, a structure-borne noise sensor (20), a sequence controller (30), and a speed sensor system (23, 24) are provided. The sequence controller (30) is designed in such way that a combined test of the gear pair may be performed, in which, in a first search run, a specific installation position is ascertained using structure-borne noise testing and subsequently a single-flank working test is performed at the specific installation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Klingelnberg AG
    Inventors: Alexander Landvogt, Hartmuth Müller, Christian Pahud
  • Patent number: 7775101
    Abstract: A universal dynamic gear quality and consistency verification inspection system and method is provided. The system and method provides a dynamic gear verification inspection station including a Double Flank master gear and a probe for inspecting gear features and an electronic plug having pre-reference pads and mechanical rests for supporting and locating the part to be inspected. The probes are provided to verify all angles and functional parameters relayed to appropriate software for evaluation and record maintenance. A probe may also be provided for face checking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Marposs Societa per Azioni
    Inventor: Roberto Baruchello
  • Patent number: 7748131
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of inspecting gears during their manufacture in the gear cutting machine, wherein the respective workpiece is traveled to by the tool at specific reference points to determine any deviations. The setting of the tool can be corrected by means of these deviations via a control loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Finkenwirth, Andreas Mehr
  • Publication number: 20100162808
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for monitoring the health of mechanical and structure components of a machine. For example, the present invention is capable of monitoring the operational integrity of critical components of critical components of an aircraft such as the gearbox of a helicopter. The present invention is based on the principle of detecting a traceable substance when the substance is released from the component being monitored in the event of predetermined condition being satisfied, such as exceeding the operational temperature of the component, or a fault in the component occurring, such as a crack being formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Albert Wong, Kelly Ann Tsoi, Paul Rawson, Dave Wynne
  • Patent number: 7712219
    Abstract: In a process for the aligning of the tooth spaces of a workpiece with precut teeth, which is set up on the work spindle of a gear finishing machine, the workpiece (1) is brought into no-backlash double flank mesh with a pilot gear (6). The workpiece (1) is rotated, and during this rotation both the angular position of the tooth space centre lines of the pilot gear (6) and the centre distance between the pilot gear (6) and the workpiece (1) are measured. This allows the workpiece (1) to be tested with respect to radial run-out, flank material allowance, helix angle, and any possible irregularities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Reishauer AG
    Inventor: Walter Wirz
  • Patent number: 7707879
    Abstract: There is provided a gear pair evaluation apparatus capable of performing accurate tooth surface analysis based on actual tooth surface measurement information without using information about a reference tooth surface. A processing unit 6 associates three-dimensional coordinate data on a gear tooth surface 102G and three-dimensional coordinate data on a pinion tooth surface 102P with each other at a predetermined meshing rotational position and converts the three-dimensional coordinate data into three-dimensional coordinate data on a cylindrical coordinate system based on the gear 101G. The processing unit 6 generates functions representing points on the pinion tooth surface 102P on the basis of the three-dimensional coordinate data on the pinion tooth surface 102P and calculates the coordinates of points on the pinion tooth surface 102P that correspond to points (grid points) on the gear tooth surface 102G by using the functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiichiro Tobisawa, Masaki Kano, Kohei Saiki
  • Publication number: 20100083516
    Abstract: A method and device for measuring an amount of wear on a flank of a gear tooth is provided. The method includes positioning a template comprising a first template tooth adjacent a gear comprising a first gear tooth. The method also includes adjusting the position of the template in a rotational direction with respect to a known rotational reference point of the gear, adjusting the position of the template in an axial direction with respect to a known axial reference point of the gear, and adjusting the position of the template in a radial direction with respect to a known radial reference point of the gear. The method further includes measuring an extent of a gap between an edge of the first template tooth and an adjacent flank of the first gear tooth, wherein the gap corresponds to the amount of wear on the flank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Aaron John Mashue, Ryan Spencer Close
  • Patent number: 7607236
    Abstract: A method for providing error compensation in a double flank functional gear testing apparatus is disclosed in which a total composite signal is generated and errors due to master gears, master gear spindles, arbors, and work gear holding devices are eliminated from the total composite signal, such that the error due to a work or precision setting master gear is distilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Patrick, Darren E. Santelman
  • Publication number: 20090019927
    Abstract: There is provided a gear pair evaluation apparatus capable of performing accurate tooth surface analysis based on actual tooth surface measurement information without using information about a reference tooth surface. A processing unit 6 associates three-dimensional coordinate data on a gear tooth surface 102G and three-dimensional coordinate data on a pinion tooth surface 102P with each other at a predetermined meshing rotational position and converts the three-dimensional coordinate data into three-dimensional coordinate data on a cylindrical coordinate system based on the gear 101G. The processing unit 6 generates functions representing points on the pinion tooth surface 102P on the basis of the three-dimensional coordinate data on the pinion tooth surface 102P and calculates the coordinates of points on the pinion tooth surface 102P that correspond to points (grid points) on the gear tooth surface 102G by using the functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Keiichiro Tobisawa, Masaki Kano, Kohei Saiki
  • Publication number: 20080028847
    Abstract: A universal dynamic gear quality and consistency verification inspection system and method is provided. The system and method provides a dynamic gear verification inspection station including a Double Flank master gear and a probe for inspecting gear features and an electronic plug having pre-reference pads and mechanical rests for supporting and locating the part to be inspected. The probes are provided to verify all angles and functional parameters relayed to appropriate software for evaluation and record maintenance. A probe may also be provided for face checking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Roberto Baruchello
  • Patent number: 7210345
    Abstract: A forced harmonic vibration master gear for use in a device for detecting imperfections in a production gear includes a gear body having a plurality of gear teeth. Each of the plurality of gear teeth has a graduation of material added thereto extending from a form diameter of each tooth to an end of the tooth to decrease the pressure angle of the tooth. The forced harmonic master gear when used to test an unacceptable production gear, induces in the unacceptable production gear, when rotating, a vibrational force that is at least 50 percent greater than a vibrational force exhibited by the unacceptable production gear when a standard master gear is used to test the unacceptable production gear, in at least one band of 70 Hz to 150 Hz, 151 Hz to 300 Hz, 301 Hz to 550 Hz, 551 Hz to 1250 Hz and 1251 Hz to 2000 Hz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Enoch Narh
  • Patent number: 7140252
    Abstract: A structurally tuned, vibration-based component checking system for detecting anomalies in a component of an assembly prior to the component being installed in the assembly is provided. The component checking system operates the component being tested at a speed that is different from the speed at which the component operates during normal use in the assembly, and also under a different load. To compensate for this difference in speed and load, the component checking system is structurally tuned such that a relationship exists between the modal frequencies and speed of operation of the component checking system and the modal frequencies and speed of operation of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignees: Ford Motor Company, Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Youssef Hamidieh, Philip Barlas, James Pospisil, Prashanth Magadi, Chandra Jalluri
  • Patent number: 7069767
    Abstract: A process for learning the pressure and volume characteristics for a given torque-transmitting mechanism is established on the final assembly line wherein a powertrain incorporating the desired transmission learning is installed within a vehicle. During the test process, the vehicle speed is generally maintained at Idle and the vehicle shift mechanism is maintained in Park, thereby mechanically locking the transmission output shaft. The torque-transmitting mechanisms to be learned are then engaged and disengaged in a predetermined sequence and the volume of the torque-transmitting mechanisms and the pressure characteristics of the controlling solenoid are learned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Runde, Kevin L. Kluemper, Scott T. Kluemper
  • Patent number: 7066040
    Abstract: A testing stand for a helicopter transmission is arranged in a testing stand (20) capable of swiveling deflection around a rotor shaft (4) with one output side rotor shaft (4) and at least one drive side input shaft (6, 8). Actuators (28, 30) are provided around the rotor shaft axis (4) for swiveling deflection of the helicopter transmission (2) to equalize shifts on connection couplings (14, 16, 22) occurring under load. It is suggested that the helicopter transmission (2) be clampable in the testing stand (20) by connection elements (24, 26) elastic with respectable to swiveling deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Luftfahrttechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Detlef Brüggemann, Hubertus Hüser, Willy Gerd Fischer
  • Patent number: 7013744
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the non-contact measurement of the position of the teeth (13) of a workpiece (14) with precut teeth on a gear finishing machine. The measuring probe, retractable from the measuring position into a position of rest protected against soiling, is arranged in a holder (5) for radial and axial adjustment relative to the workpiece, the said holder (5) being a kinematic member of a parallelogram linkage (A) and by means of a hydraulic, pneumatic or electromechanical swivel drive (11) is swivellable from stop to stop between measuring position and position of rest in a plane containing the workpiece axis, such that in the advancement action from the lower end position to the top end position motions of the measuring probe (1) tangential to the workpiece circumference are completely avoided. The parallelogram kinematics moreover afford adequate protection against swarf and grinding dust, and lends the device a high stiffness and reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Reishauer AG
    Inventor: Walter Wirz
  • Patent number: 6766686
    Abstract: The axial play of a gearbox shaft (3) that meshes with a gearbox output (7) is determined by measuring the translational travel of the rotationally driven gearbox shaft (3) between the axial end stops (A1; A2) thereof while simultaneously blocking the gearbox output (7). The end stops define the axial play of the gearbox shaft (3). The commutator-dependent ripple of the motor current (IM) pertaining to the commutator motor which drives the gearbox shaft (3) in a drive unit (1; 2) is evaluated as the representative variable for the translational travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Greubel
  • Publication number: 20040099056
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the non-contact measurement of the position of the teeth (13) of a workpiece (14) with precut teeth on a gear finishing machine. The measuring probe, retractable from the measuring position into a position of rest protected against soiling, is arranged in a holder (5) for radial and axial adjustment relative to the workpiece, the said holder (5) being a kinematic member of a parallelogram linkage (A) and by means of a hydraulic, pneumatic or electromechanical swivel drive (11) is swivellable from stop to stop between measuring position and position of rest in a plane containing the workpiece axis, such that in the advancement action from the lower end position (15) to the upper end position (12) motions of the measuring probe (1) tangential to the workpiece circumference are completely avoided. The parallelogram kinematics moreover afford adequate protection against swarf and grinding dust, and lends the device a high stiffness and reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: REISHAUER AG
    Inventor: Walter Wirz
  • Patent number: 6655205
    Abstract: A system for determining the suitable positioning of a first gear wheel in relation to a second gear wheel. The system comprises an evaluation unit and a roll-of device, which contains a first spindle for the rotatable seating of the first gear wheel, a second spindle for the rotatable seating of the second gear wheel and a drive mechanism for rotating the first gear wheel and a drive mechanism for acting with a positive or a negative torque on the second gear wheel. The roll-off device furthermore has a displacement device for changing the positioning of the first gear wheel in relation to the second gear wheel. A measurement pick-up device and two angle encoders are provided in the roll-off device and are connected with the evaluation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Oerlikon Geartec AG
    Inventors: Volker Bartelt, Christian Pahud
  • Publication number: 20030140691
    Abstract: An apparatus rotates a sample to facilitate an accurate analysis of the sample. The apparatus includes a sample stage on which a plurality of samples are supported, a rotatable cap and a linearly movable plate for placing a selected one of the samples at an analysis position, and a rotating stage that supports the sample stage, rotatable cap and movable plate. The rotating stage is rotatable about an axis of rotation that intersects the analysis position. Once the selected sample is placed at the analysis position by the rotation of the cap and the linear movement of the plate, the selected sample is rotated by the rotating stage. The analysis process can be selectively or sequentially carried out with respect to the plurality of samples with a high degree of efficiency and without the associated drive mechanisms experiencing high loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Sang-Eun Lee
  • Patent number: 6546780
    Abstract: A sensor assembly for sensing the angular position of a rotatable body such as a motor vehicle steering column. The sensor assembly includes a ring gear which is zero calibrated upon assembly of the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly further includes a ring member which functions to lock the ring gear to the sensor housing to maintain the zero calibration between the time of calibration and the subsequent mounting of the sensor assembly on the steering column and further functions to release the ring member for free rotation with the steering column in response to mounting of the sensor assembly on the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Roland Palfenier, Cecilia Hernandez
  • Patent number: 6507789
    Abstract: A gear transmission monitoring method includes: forming a good operating condition baseline matrix by, for each of a plurality of different gear mesh frequencies, obtaining a good operating condition signal indicative of gear transmission conditions over a segment of time and transforming the obtained good operating condition signal into a good operating condition time-frequency spectrum; and then obtaining a gear mesh frequency and a test signal over a segment of time, transforming the obtained test signal into a test time-frequency spectrum, and using the gear mesh frequency and the good operating condition baseline matrix to examine the test time-frequency spectrum to monitor gear transmission conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Suresh Baddam Reddy, Gerald Burt Kliman, Birsen Yazici
  • Patent number: 6490507
    Abstract: Computer for a bicycle includes a speed change with a chain transmission, including a plurality of front crown wheels (16) which can be driven in rotation by a pair of pedal cranks (18) and a plurality of rear sprockets (20), a first sensor (30) for providing an electric signal indicating the speed of rotation of one wheel of the bicycle, a second sensor (32) for providing an electric signal indicating the speed of rotation of the pedal cranks (18), and a third sensor (38) for providing an electric signal indicating which is the selected front crown wheel. The computer has a display (24) for displaying riding information of the bicycle, and an electronic control programmed so as to determine the number of teeth (Zp) of the selected rear sprocket as a function of said signals and as a function of stored data indicating the number of teeth (Zc) of the front crown wheels (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Campagnolo Srl
    Inventor: Valentino Campagnolo
  • Patent number: 6481508
    Abstract: A spindle (60) for a machine tool comprising a rear spindle portion (62) and a forward spindle portion (64) with each of the rear spindle portion and the forward spindle portion being rotatable about the same axis relative to one another. The inventive spindle includes one or more spring elements (68) extending between the rear spindle portion and the forward spindle portion whereby with the forward spindle portion and the rear spindle portion rotating at a predetermined amount and with the rotation of the forward spindle portion being constrained at that amount, an additional rotation applied to the rear spindle portion results in a deflection of the springs thereby effecting a torque between the forward and the rear spindle portions. The present invention also includes a control method which has as its objective to control the position of, not the torque applied to, one of the spindles, usually the gear member spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: The Gleason Works
    Inventors: William D. McGlasson, David A. Wright, Michael W. Roberts, Anthony J. Norselli
  • Patent number: 6467578
    Abstract: A test fixture will test windage on high-speed gears. The test fixture has a case with a sump. A shaft is rotatably mounted in the case for receiving and rotating a test gear. A power source is coupled to the shaft for driving the shaft. A nozzle is mounted in the case for discharging a liquid onto the gear teeth, the liquid then collecting in the sump. A pump is connected to the sump and the nozzle for pumping the liquid from the sump to the nozzle. A baffle mounts to a wall of the case and encloses at least a portion of the gear. The power to the motor as well as temperature are sensed to determine various baffle configuration efficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Don D. Winfree