Abstract: A rotating field machine, in particular an electric motor with a stator and a rotor, is configured with a motor control for controlling the rotation and the rotational speed n of the rotor of the rotating field machine, wherein the motor control integrally includes an oscillation sensor system in order to acquire actual measurement values of oscillations of the rotating field machine depending on the rotational speed n.

Abstract: A device registers an On state of a drive motor of a tool. A changing magnetic flux is produced in the On state of the drive motor. First and second peak hold detectors generate upper and lower peak signals from induced voltage output signals. An evaluation device is configured to form a difference from the generated upper peak signal and the generated lower peak signal, and compare the formed difference with an adjustable threshold value in order to determine the On state of the drive motor when the threshold value is reached or exceeded.

Abstract: A navigation system uses a dead reckoning method to estimate an object's present position relative to one or more prior positions. In some embodiments, the dead reckoning method determines a change in position from the object's heading and speed during an elapsed time interval. In embodiments suitable for use with wheeled objects, the dead reckoning method determines the change in position by measuring the heading and the amount of wheel rotation. Some or all of the components of the navigation system may be disposed within a wheel, such as a wheel of a shopping cart.

Abstract: A system for rebalancing a generator rotor includes a temporary bearing shield configured to support a non-drive end of the generator rotor, and a pony motor assembly configured for attachment to a drive end of the generator rotor. The pony motor assembly is configured to rotate the generator rotor during a rebalancing operation. The temporary bearing shield and the pony motor assembly enable the generator rotor to be rotated during an in-situ rebalancing operation.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel balance machine includes a base having two spaced arms for engaging with a bicycle wheel, a casing slidably engaged in one of the arms and having a center member movable to engage with a wheel hub with an anchoring device, a spindle rotatably engaged in the other arm and engaged with the wheel hub, a motor coupled to the spindle for rotating the spindle and the bicycle wheel, two sensors attached to the arms for sensing conditions of the bicycle wheel, and the bicycle wheel balance machine includes a simplified structure to be easily operated by the users themselves at home.

Abstract: A load of laundry that is distributed in an imbalanced manner in a laundry treatment appliance can lead to mechanical destruction at higher rotational speeds. A method for detecting an imbalance in a laundry treatment appliance which has a rotating drum and a drive system with electronic control system, a rotational speed or a variable linked with the rotational speed is acquired in the electronic control system as a rotational speed signal, the frequency component of the 2nd order in relation to the mechanical drum rotational speed is determined in the rotational speed signal that is acquired, and an imbalance in the drum is then detected if a value of the frequency component of the 2nd order that is determined exceeds a predetermined limiting value. The method is in particular also suitable for detecting a dynamic imbalance or in the case of laundry treatment appliances with a vertical axis of rotation.

Abstract: Electrodymamic machine rotating mass, including for example induction motor rotors, stiffness tuning methods include selective orientation and compression of modular tie rod assemblies into through bores formed in the rotor lamination core outboard of the rotor shaft during motor manufacture, repair or refurbishment. Stiffness tuning enables a motor manufacturer to tune a rotor's rotordynamic stability, and hence the assembled motor's critical vibration speed. Electrodynamic machine rotating mass tuning can be adjusted in response to machine physical design, operational application and manufacturing variation attributes that impact the assembled machine's critical vibration frequency. Thus the present invention offers a systematic, holistic approach to motor vibration refinement through use of a simple kit of modular tie rod assemblies oriented and tightened in a selected array. Rotor stiffness tuning can be tested virtually on computer work stations.

Abstract: System and method for active detection of asymmetry in a rotating structure, the method comprises: imparting harmonic mechanical excitation on the rotating structure that is asynchronous to the speed of rotation of the structure; obtaining a response from the excited rotating body; and analyzing the response to determine a presence of modulation of the imparted harmonic mechanical excitation, that causes vibration at a frequency that is a combination of both the harmonic mechanical excitation and the modulation speed of rotation.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for the determination of a nacelle-inclination is provided. A first difference-signal is formed from the difference of a measured nacelle acceleration and an offset-value from a calibration. A second difference-signal is formed from a difference of the first difference-signal and a feedback signal. A first sum-signal is formed from adding an integrated second difference-signal with the product of the second difference signal and a factor. A second sum signal is formed from adding an integrated first sum-signal with the product of the first-sum-signal and the factor. A corrected signal is formed by a product of the second sum-signal and an equivalent tower height. A first nacelle-signal is formed by the arc-tangent of the corrected signal. A nacelle inclination is obtained from filtering the first nacelle-signal by a low-pass-filter. The feedback-signal is formed by multiplying the acceleration of gravity with the sine of the first nacelle-signal.

Abstract: A method for determining an imbalance of a propeller shaft assembly can include establishing balancing planes relative to certain areas of the propeller shaft assembly and identifying each component of the propeller shaft assembly that could have a potential imbalance condition due to a tolerance variation. The method can also include determining the potential imbalance condition for each identified component, and determining a contribution of each determined potential imbalance condition to a respective pair of the established balancing planes. The method can further include determining a total magnitude of imbalance at the respective pair of established balancing planes based on the determined contributions of each potential imbalance condition, and determining a statistically representative value of the determined magnitude of imbalance.

Abstract: The method for correcting the eccentricity of a vehicle wheel in balancing machines or the like, comprises: a reading phase for reading the radial eccentricity deviation of the rim of a wheel to be balanced and the radial eccentricity deviation of the tire of the wheel, read at a plurality of predetermined angular positions along the entire outer perimeter of the rim and of the tire; a processing phase of the total radial eccentricity deviation values of the wheel, starting with the radial eccentricity deviations of the rim and of the tire read and according to the angular coupling positions between the rim and the tire; a definition phase for defining a geometric irregularity index of the wheel, determined according to the total radial eccentricity deviation values of the wheel and according to the angular coupling position between the rim and the tire; a determination phase for determining an optimal coupling angular position between the tire and the rim, selected among all the possible angular coupling pos

Abstract: Tire-uniformity components may generate a lateral force on a vehicle body, when the vehicle is in a turning movement. The lateral force may cause vibrations on the vehicle body. The controller controls a motor of an electric power steering system to modulate an assist torque acting on steerable wheels in accordance with the tire-uniformity components. The assist torque is modulated in the same direction as the lateral force. As a result, it is possible to reduce vibrations on the vehicle body, since the modulated assist torque avoids conflict with the lateral force and release the lateral force.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to a method of measuring the vibration of an aircraft engine. One embodiment herein provides an engine monitoring system either connected to and/or positioned in close proximity to an aircraft engine. Also provided is a clearance measuring device within the engine monitoring system. The clearanceometer collects clearance data that is later converted into vibration data.

Abstract: The upgraded balancing machine for vehicle wheels comprise a supporting frame for gripping and rotation means for gripping and rotating a wheel to be balanced around a rotation axis, a first sensor for detecting the unbalance of the wheel with respect to the rotation axis suitable for generating a first analog signal, a second sensor for detecting at least one portion of the profile of the wheel suitable for generating a second analog signal, at least one analog to digital converter associated with at least one of the first and the second detection sensors and suitable for converting at least one of the first and the second analog signals into a corresponding digital signal, a processing and control unit associated with the conversion device and suitable for processing the digital signal, and an adjustment unit for adjusting the sampling frequency of at least one of the first and the second analog signals associated with the conversion device.

Abstract: A machine for balancing vehicle wheels, such wheels including a rim with a pair of axially spaced, ring-shaped or annular, flanges, and a tire seated up on the rim. The machine includes a frame with motor driven devices for gripping the vehicle wheel to be balanced and rotating same about a horizontal axis. A mechanical feeler, or probe, determines the position of the first of the pair of , flanges on the rim. A contact-less, or remotely spaced, sensor, such as a laser, ascertains the profile of the tire by taking a series of discrete measurements without touching the tire. The mechanical feeler, or probe, and the contact-less sensor, are connected to a control unit in the machine. The control unit interpolates the values provided by the mechanical feeler and the contact-less sensor, and determines the location of the second flange on the wheel rim.

Abstract: Methods and systems for maintaining a machine using an in-situ vehicle (IV) is provided. The IV may be used with a machine that includes a work-piece and an interference body positioned proximate a surface of the work-piece such that a relatively small gap extends between the work-piece and the interference body. The method includes transporting the IV from external to the machine into the gap, positioning the IV in the gap such that at least a portion of the IV circumscribes a work area of the work-piece, locking the IV between the work-piece and the interference body, and manipulating a tool coupled to the IV from external to the machine, the tool configured to transfer a component between the work-piece and a storage cassette on the IV.

Abstract: A method of balancing a first turbomachine module (20), including along an axis of rotation a bearing plane (22) on one side and a junction plane (24) on the other, with respect to a rotor (1) including said module (20), in which an equivalent complementary module is defined such that the two modules form a rotor equivalent to said rotor by assembling along the junction plane (24), the total unbalance of said equivalent rotor and the corresponding correction to be made to said module are determined, which method includes the following steps: the concentricity deviation of the bearing (22) of the first module (20) with respect to the axis perpendicular to the junction plane (24) is determined; the theoretical geometric unbalance of said equivalent complementary module is calculated; a short journal (40) is mounted on the first module adjacent to the junction plane (24) to form a short rotor whose axis of rotation is substantially coincident with the axis of the module (20) and the unbalance of the short ro

Abstract: The present invention provides a surveying instrument, which comprises rotating units (3) and (4) operated rotatably, supporting units (6) and (3) to support the rotating units, a reflection mirror portion provided on one of the supporting unit or the rotating unit, tilt sensors (15) and (24) arranged on the other of the supporting unit and the rotating unit and for projecting a detecting light (36) and for detecting a relative tilting of reflection surface of said reflection mirror portion with respect to said supporting unit by receiving said detecting light reflected by the reflection mirror portion, and a control unit (26) for calculating an unsteadiness of rotation of the rotating unit based on a signal from the tilt sensor.

Abstract: A system and a method of determining imbalances of at least one wheel on a vehicle, when said wheel is rotating, is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a vibration signal from at least one wheel vibration sensor associated with said wheel; providing an angular velocity signal of the rotation of said wheel, the angular velocity signal including a reference signal indicating the start of a wheel revolution; and based thereupon performing signal processing upon these signals for detecting a periodic signal of a predetermined nature corresponding to imbalances in said wheel and determining the position upon said at least one wheel of such imbalance. Accordingly, a wheel imbalance detection system separate from the vehicle is no longer necessary, because the present method provides an indication as to the precise location and type of any detected imbalance in a wheel. By being able to locate the position upon the wheel of such wheel imbalance, the maintenance time used is reduced considerably.

Abstract: Shaft trim balancing devices, related systems and methods are provided. In this regard, an representative device for trim balancing a rotatable shaft includes: an intermediate section being annularly shaped and having terminating ends spaced from each other in an uncompressed state of the device; and first and second sets of counterweights extending longitudinally from opposing sides of the intermediate section.

Abstract: A method to determine eccentricity of a rotor in a turbine including: collecting sensor data of rotor eccentricity for a plurality of startup operations; establishing a baseline eccentricity value using the sensor data corresponding to a selected startup operation; determining an eccentricity value using the filtered sensor data for each of a plurality of startup operations subsequent to the selected startup operation; determining a rotor eccentricity difference between the baseline eccentricity value and each of the eccentricity values for the plurality of startup operations subsequent to the selected startup operation, and reporting a rotor eccentricity condition based on the rotor eccentricity difference.

Abstract: A low power vibration sensor and wireless transmitter system has one or more sensors that sense parameters of a machine including vibration and produces dynamic signals representing the sensed parameters. The system converts the signals to a digital format, digitally filters the signals, and processes the signals. A processor determines a plurality of levels, which represent the characteristics of the signal such as the peak value of a predetermined set of data points of the digital signal. Together, the levels comprise a PeakVue waveform. The processor determines the peak level value for the PeakVue waveform. Also, a true root-mean-square is calculated as the signal is received at the processor. The peak level and the RMS value are communicated wirelessly by a communication module to a control protocol network such as a daisy chain HART or Fieldbus protocol network. The system power supply and the communication module power supply are separate and allow for low power operation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for accurately measuring an initial imbalance deviating from a predetermined imbalance, when the predetermined imbalance is to be left in a body of rotation. In the method and apparatus, data relating to the predetermined imbalance is stored in a memory 27 as dummy value information. The vibration of a crank shaft 1 during rotation is detected by vibration sensors 6L, 6R to obtain analogue vibration signals WDL, WDR. The rotational angle position of the crank shaft 1 is detected by a photo sensor 8 and, in response, the above described dummy value information is converted to analogue dummy signals DLX, DLY, DRX and DRY by multi D/A converters 12L, 12R, 13L and 13R. These analogue dummy signals are removed from the analogue vibration signals to obtain analogue initial imbalance signals WL, WR, which are converted by D/A converter to obtain the digital initial imbalance value.

Abstract: A computed tomography apparatus has a gantry that is rotatable around a rotational axis and a detector permanently disposed relative to the gantry, for determining an unbalanced mass of the gantry and a calculating unit for calculating the location or locations at the gantry at which a weight or at which weights should be arranged for compensating the unbalanced mass.

Abstract: A method for detecting abnormalities of a tire which detects abnormalities of a tire on the basis of rotational information obtained from tires attached to wheels of a vehicle. The method includes the steps of: detecting rotational pulses of wheels of the tires, calculating and storing rotational information of the tires on the basis of the rotational pulses, calculating and processing fluctuations in rotational pulse intervals in a single rotation of the tires on the basis of the rotational information, and storing data during driving which have been processed for each single rotation and performing prediction of abnormalities of a tire on the basis of changes in the data. Irregularities in rotational information of rotational pulses in a single rotation of the tires are detected for predicting a danger of abnormalities occurring to the tires to thus enable safe driving.

Abstract: An apparatus for quickly and efficiently balancing an article includes a pair of supports that are adapted to engage and support the ends of the driveshaft tube and to effect selective rotational and axial movement thereof. A system is provided for generating a representation of the shape of the outer surface of the driveshaft tube, such as by using a laser stripe generator and a digital camera. The laser stripe generator projects a relatively thin line of visible light onto the outer surface of the driveshaft tube. The digital camera receives the relatively thin visible line of light as it is reflected from the outer surface of the driveshaft tube and digitizes the reflected image into electrical signals. The apparatus further includes a system for generating a representation of the wall thickness of the driveshaft tube, such as by using an ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: A system measures multiple operational angles of a driveline assembly and compares the signals to each other to determine whether the angles and the respective driveline components are properly balanced. Different types of sensor assemblies can be used to measure the operational angles including various types of contact and non-contact sensors. In one example, the operational angle between one axle differential case and a corresponding universal joint can be compared to the operational angle between another axle differential case and corresponding universal joint mounted at an opposite end of the driveline. If the angles are equal or very close to one another than the angles are properly balanced. If the ratio between the two angles exceeds a predetermined limit, the driveline components are not properly balanced and the components can be repositioned to avoid premature wear.

Abstract: In a disclosed embodiment, a steering axle wheel assembly for a vehicle is provided with a system for actively sensing and alerting a vehicle user of wheel misalignment. The wheel assembly includes an elongated tie rod extending between two wheels and a rotatable knuckle system connecting each wheel to a respective end of the tie rod. A steer angle, that is, the angle of a wheel with respect to an axle, is monitored. When the steer angle is significant, result in a tensile or compressive force is provided on the tie rod. This force on the tie rod is small when the steer angle is small. The tie rod is provided with a system to measure the force. An alerting system is provided which alerts a vehicle user when significant tensile or compressive force on the tie rod is measured, and the steer angle is small. Thus, a vehicle user is actively alerted of wheel misalignment.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, there is an electronic comparator that monitors and exhibits on one or more video displays current information measured and monitored as to physical attributes relating to a revolvably rotating linearly-extending stirring shaft of which a distal end carries stirring blades positioned within media supported within a vessel stably mounted relative to a stably mounted drive mechanism and the stirring shaft, and a visual display video that during stirring displays visually the measured and monitored current degree of wobble of the stirring shaft, magnitude of vibrations of the stirring shaft, current degree of verticality of the stirring shaft, current temperature of media being stirred by the stirring shaft, current rate of revolutions per unit of time of the stirring shaft, a printing mechanism that prints current measured and monitored physical attributes onto a substrate, a computer interface structure and mechanism thereof adapted to convey measured and monitored physical attribute

Abstract: A transportable apparatus for detecting drive line system imbalances in an automotive vehicle includes an angular position and speed sensor located at a position spaced from, but associated with the drive shaft in non-contacting relationship therewith, the sensor generates a signal responsive to the speed and angular position of the drive shaft relative to a reference point. The apparatus also includes at least one vibration sensor, spaced from, but associated with, the drive line in non-contacting relationship therewith. The vibration sensor detects the drive line vibration and generates a signal responsive thereto. A signal analyzer receives the signals generated by the angular position and speed sensor as well as the vibration sensor and calculates any imbalance in the drive line system and presents counterweight and position parameters for correcting any system imbalance.

Abstract: A display and user interface incorporated into an on-board engine vibration monitoring and trim balance system. The interface consists of an alphanumeric display and a number of push buttons integrally formed with a front panel of the system. The user operates the interface to obtain and alter information pertaining to engine vibration data, engine trim balance solutions, and balance part configurations. Push buttons are used to scroll through an elaborate menu structure for receiving information and making selections among various available functions. The menu structure may in particular provide for the user to review particular installed balance part location data prior to asking the system to compute an optimum balance solution. Once the balance solution is calculated, the user may review a list of balance parts to be removed from and installed on the engine.

Abstract: In the tire examination method before and after an alteration in the tire pressure a respective interferogram is produced of the tire surface using coherent radiation and the interferogram is converted into a modulo 2.pi. image, which for its part is processed to obtain a gray value image and in the case of which from a comparison of the gray value images information concerning any defects present in the tire is obtained. For testing a tire the wheel, which bears such tire to be tested, is arranged on a driven roller set by driving the vehicle with the wheel, a test head is moved toward the tire to be at a predetermined test distance therefrom for producing such interferograms, at a first test segment of the tire examination for defects is performed, the wheel is incrementally rotated by the roller set by an amount equal to the size of a test segment and so many test segments are examined that the complete tire is tested.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning a driveline in a motor vehicle, including supporting a transmission and a rear axle with the body of the motor vehicle. A driveshaft is supported at a first end with the transmission and supported at a second end with the rear axle. A center bearing is positioned to the body of the motor vehicle to further support the driveshaft. The position of the driveline is then measured and a shim thickness is calculated for installation between the center bearing and the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting drive line system imbalances in an automotive vehicle includes an angular position and speed sensor located at a preselected position spaced from, but associated with the drive shaft in non-contacting relationship therewith, the sensor generates a signal responsive to the speed and angular position of the drive shaft relative to the preselected reference point. The apparatus also includes at least one vibration sensor located at a preselected position, spaced from, but associated with, the drive line in non-contacting relationship therewith. The vibration sensor detects the drive line vibration and generates a signal responsive thereto. A signal analyzer receives the signals generated by the angular position and speed sensor as well as the vibration sensor and calculates any imbalance in the drive line system and presents counterweight and position parameters for correcting any system imbalance.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held, battery-powered rotor balancing calculator has a data port, which includes a host communications port to down-load set-up data from, and upload collected data to a host computer. A rotation sensor communications port receives data from the rotation sensor, and a vibration sensor communications port receives data from vibration sensors. An angle sensor communications port receives data from an angle sensor, and the calculator determines how far and in what direction the rotor has been rotated. The calculator also employs a power supply, a processor, and an operator interface. There is also a memory for data storage, menus with check-off lists, and procedures, including raw data screening procedures and collected data analysis procedures. A display is provided which depicts gathered data in a graphical form which is easily reconfigured for rotor viewing orientation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring unbalance of a vehicle wheel that is freely rotatable and mounted on a motor vehicle. The wheel is rotated during the measuring operation at a measurement speed and a mark on the wheel is sensed to provide accurate information concerning the angular wheel position of the rotating wheel. An incremental generator is operatively associated with the wheel for supplying a predetermined number of increments between each two sensings of the mark on the wheel, which is associated with a rotational angle of 360.degree.. The respective counter condition is used for detecting the rotational angle of the wheel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for driving a motor vehicle wheel mounted on a motor vehicle. The wheel is freely rotatable for unbalance measurement thereof a friction wheel driven by an electric motor that is pressed against the tire with varying pressure force. The respective peripheral speeds of the friction wheel and the vehicle wheel in relation to the contact periphery at which the friction wheel bears against the vehicle wheel are ascertained and the electric motor is regulated in a continuous or discontinuous mode in dependence on a difference between the two measured peripheral speeds.

Abstract: A method of balancing and aligning wheels on trucks which includes the steps of removing the bearing slack from the truck wheels by tightening the bearings; trimming or "trueing" the tires of the elevated drive tandem to the center of each axle as the center of the respective tire rotational circle; marking the axle hub to insure re-mounting of the tires in the same position on the axle hub; utilizing a strobe light and vibration sensor to detect weight imbalances in each set of trimmed wheels when the wheels are spun at high speed as the frame of the truck is jacked, and balancing each set of the trimmed wheels by adding weight to the areas on the wheel rim where balancing weight is needed; setting or adjusting the wheel and axle alignment using laser beam equipment and wheel alignment racks fitted with levels; and providing balanced brake drums in the wheels, if necessary.

Abstract: A method and system for balancing an automotive vehicle driveline (10) after it has been installed into a vehicle (8). An impact hammer and a system analyzer (36) are used to determine a frequency response function at each end of a driveshaft (16). From this, a critical frequency of rotation is determined for the driveshaft (16) for that particular model of vehicle (8) and driveline (10). Each vehicle (8) that comes off of an assembly line can now have a balance test performed on it using accelerometers (44 and 46) and a phase angle measurement. Combining the measurement with the frequency response function, the imbalance of the driveline is determined and compared to a predetermined limit to determine if correction masses need to be added. If so, a determination of the amount of mass needed and the orientation is made.

Abstract: A marker plate receptacle, formed by two plates pivotably connected with each other via a film hinge, in which a marker plate is received. A tongue is formed in one piece on the lower end of one of the two plates. It has a hook which can be put over a wall extending perpendicularly to the surface of the inside of the plate and around a through hole. Once the marker plate is inserted and the hook of the tongue, on which a key is placed, is put over the annular wall, the two plates are folded together. The tongue is then form-fittingly maintained between the two plates and the plates themselves are maintained by a form-fitting ridge formed on the annular wall, which extends through the through hole in the rear plate. The form fit is additionally improved with ribs engaging grooves.

Abstract: A method for balancing a rotor of an alternator in a diesel-electric locomotive in which the rotor is drivingly coupled to a power output shaft of a diesel engine. A speed sensor and a vibration sensor are coupled to the rotor for providing output signals representative of instantaneous rotational velocity and instantaneous amplitude of vibrational motion of the rotor, respectively. In the inventive method, the rotor is accelerated to a first preselected rotational velocity and a first rotor unbalance is determined from the velocity and vibration signals. The rotor is then accelerated to a second preselected rotational velocity and a second rotor unbalance is determined. The first and the second rotor unbalance determinations are combined to identify a first correction weight and position thereof for minimizing the first and the second rotor unbalance. The identified weight is installed and the process repeated until the unbalance is corrected such that vibration is less than a preselected maximum value.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting dynamic rotational imbalance of vehicle roadwheel assemblies includes a force measurement sensor for sensing a combined force exerted between the surface upon which the vehicle is traveling and the vehicle sprung mass and further includes a device for generating a combined force signal corresponding to the sensed combined force. The apparatus further includes processor responsive to the combined force signal for determining the dynamic rotational balance condition of the roadwheel assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the unbalance of wheels mounted on a vehicle comprises at least one measuring rack for supporting a vehicle wheel, a sensor provided in the measuring rack for sensing vibrations caused by the unbalance and for issuing a sensor signal. A measurement/control unit generates unbalance signals from the source signals which represent the unbalance with respect to magnitude and direction. At least the unbalance magnitude is displayed at a display unit. A wireless signal transmission unit is disposed in the path between the sensor and the display unit. A central display and control unit is provided for several measuring racks, the measuring racks and the display control unit comprising a transmitter/receiver for signal transmission. Thus signals are transmitted from the measuring racks to the display control unit and control signals are transmitted from the display control unit to the measuring racks.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously actively balancing rotors by controlling the mass-distribution of a rotor (24) relative to an axis-of-rotation (27) about which the rotor rotates in a stator (26) is disclosed. The mass-distribution of the rotor is adjustable via a hydraulic subsystem (23) that can move the rotor relative to the axis-of-rotation. An electronic subsystem (22) controls the hydraulic subsystem (23) with control signals. More specifically, the sensors (100) of a sensor subsystem (21) sense the repetitive vibrations caused by an unbalanced rotot. The electronic subsystem (22) cyclically updates the control signals applied to the hydraulic subsystem (23) so as to reduce the sensed vibrations, i.e., to balance the rotor (24). The hydraulic subsystem (23) adjusts the position of the rotor (24) by varying the flow of a viscous fluid between the perimeter of a portion of the rotor (24) and an annular sleeve (34) encompassing that portion of the rotor. The annular sleeve (34) rotates with the rotor (24).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining the unbalance of the wheels of a motor vehicle under test by means of unbalance measuring equipment. Such equipment is operated with a d.c. voltage supply in the form of the battery of the vehicle under test which functions as the sole source of that supply. The driven wheels of the vehicle under test are accelarated by the vehicle engine until a constant wheel speed is obtained within a given range. The unbalance values of the driven wheels at constant wheel speed are determined and appropriate correction is made. Wheel driving structure may also be provided for rotating the non-driven wheels of the vehicle under test to determine the unbalance of these wheels. The wheel driving structure for rotating the non-driven wheels is also powered by a d.c. voltage source in the form of the vehicle battery.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a motor vehicle wheel while it is fitted to the motor vehicle for detecting unbalance thereof comprises a friction wheel which is driven by a drive motor and which is pressed against the motor vehicle wheel for driving same at a speed required for measuring its unbalance. The drive motor is switched on or off in dependence on the pressure force with which the friction wheel is pressed against the motor vehicle wheel, in such a way that no slip occurs between the friction wheel and the motor vehicle wheel.

Abstract: An unbalance measuring procedure and circuitry therefor employs correction weights for the compensation of unbalance of a rotating component under test. After a measuring run, stored and displayed unbalance information is compensated by a compensating weight at the angular position displayed and a control run is carried out, the results of which are also stored and displayed. The balancing is interrupted and ended if a low level threshold value is not reached. For purposes of automatic adaptation of a balancing unit, the measurement run is simultaneously used as a control and calibration run to check the balancing quality obtained by the initial placement of a compensating weight.

Abstract: A system for detecting dynamic rotational imbalance of vehicle roadwheels includes a force measurement sensor for sensing the force required to steer the roadwheel and further includes a device for generating a force signal corresponding to the sensed force and a processor responsive to the force signal for determining the dynamic rotational balance condition of the roadwheel.

Abstract: A lifting unit with an incorporated piezoelectric transducer comprises an extendable trolley (1-4) with a frontwardly tapered plan profile and is upperly provided with a flat vertical compass structure (5) which is symmetrically disposed about the main axes of the underlying trolley (1-4) and has its arms converging towards a horizontal box member (6) containing a piezoelectric transducer (15), at which the arms are linked together and at which there is provided, above the box member (6) a positionable lifting and support saddle (21) which is disposed transversely to the flat vertical compass structure (5).

Abstract: A wheel attached to a vehicle body via a suspension mechanism including an unsprung member is placed on and rotated by a rotating drum. A phase detector detects the rotational phase of the rotating wheel. A support table positioned adjacent the rotating drum is movable on three mutually perpendicular axes. A spring plate mounted on the support table is placed in resilient contact with a measuring surface of the unsprung member. The spring plate vibrates in response to vibration of the unsprung member in the longitudinal direction which in turn vibrates in response to wheel unbalance. A displacement detector on the support table includes a light source and light receiving elements which detect vibration of the spring plate caused by movement of the unsprung member in the longitudinal direction and thus detect wheel unbalance.