Abstract: A passive dynamic inertial rotor balance system including a plurality of balancing members fitted onto a rotor shaft at locations of predicted maximum shaft modal deflection. Each of the balancing members has at least one chamber and located within the at least one chamber is a plurality of movable weights and a viscous fluid. As the shaft accelerates toward an unbalance point, the weights move within the at least one chamber to a location which is opposite from the unbalance point. The viscous fluid provides damping for the movable weights to prevent excess movement within the chamber and to provide lubrication thereof. A system for self-correcting an unbalance of a turbomachinery rotor during rotation of the rotor and a method for balancing a rotor in a turbomachinery is also provided.

Abstract: A method of detecting machine tool vibration is provided. The method includes receiving, from a sensor arranged in a machine tool, motion data measured along an axis. The method also includes comparing the motion data against a first threshold. The method also includes adjusting a counter if the motion data has a magnitude greater than the first threshold. The method also includes generating an alarm if the counter is greater than a second threshold.

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: 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: A balancing device is provided that is able to balance a rotor of an electrical machine. The machine includes a mounted rotor in a central bore of a stator and coaxially thereto. Between the rotor and the stator there is an air gap. The rotor preferably comprises a plurality of axially extending ferromagnetic teeth and non-magnetic wedges being arranged alternately around the circumference of the surface of the rotor. The teeth and/or the wedges preferably include balancing openings for balancing weights. The balancing device includes a mounting device and/or a locking device and/or a confirmation device. The device has a radial height that is smaller than the minimal clearance of the air gap and an axial extension such that it can be inserted into the air gap. With such a device it is possible to balance a rotor in an efficient way, when it is located in the bore of the stator.

Abstract: A high-speed vertical take-off and land aircraft includes a body with an engine supported by the body. A fan assembly is also carried by the body. The fan assembly includes a hub and a plurality of blades to provide vertical lift for the aircraft. A plurality of frictionless air bearings vertically support the fan assembly while a plurality of idler wheels horizontally center the fan assembly. In addition the aircraft includes an active system for sensing vibration and balancing the fan assembly.

Abstract: In a method for compensation of an out-of-balance condition of an imaging data acquisition device, rotatable around a patient opening of a stationary unit of a tomography apparatus, such as an x-ray computed tomography apparatus or an ultrasound tomography apparatus, the data acquisition device being rotatably mounted such that it can rotate around an axis in a bearing of the stationary unit, vibrations transferred to the stationary unit by the out-of-balance condition of the data acquisition device, at least one of the out-of-balance vectors causing the out-of-balance condition is determined from the vibration measurement, and the axis of the data acquisition device is adjusted with regard to an axis of the bearing to compensate the out-of-balance condition.

Abstract: A method for statistically analyzing the operation of a machine for balancing articles for rotation so as to reduce measurement errors and thereby enhance productivity and quality including the steps of collecting raw data during production balancing of articles for rotation, and statistically analyzing the data to determine appropriate process control limits for prompting investigative or corrective action if a process control limit is exceeded.

Abstract: Multiple balancing plugs (114) preferably have a common length and a common offset center of gravity (130) in the length dimension for providing dual plane balancing of a rotatable body (100). The rotatable body (100) includes a plurality of balancing plug holes (112a–f) for receipt of a balancing plug (114) as desired/required to address an imbalance associated with the rotatable body (100). One or more balancing plugs (114) may be disposed within the rotatable body (100) in a first orientation such that their respective centers of gravity (130) are disposed within a first plane (134). One or more balancing plugs (114) may be disposed within the rotatable body (100) in a second, opposite orientation such that their respective centers of gravity (130) are disposed within a second plane (138) that is spaced from the first plane (134).

Abstract: A method and system for balancing CT gantry mechanisms. Two balance locations are preselected on the rotating base member and stacks of spacers, shims, and weights are provided at each site. Strain gate sensors are provided on the stationary base member and included as part of a sensor circuit. Trial and test runs determine the mass and Z-location of the mass which needs to be added to the system to statically and dynamically balance it.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamically balancing a rotating system or rotating device utilizing energy-based threshold measurements, wherein the rotating system contains sensors therein. Sensor measurements are compiled from the sensors. The sensor measurements contain data indicative of the dynamics of the rotating system. The sensor measurements are converted to signal energy values associated with the rotating system. The signal energy values are then compared to energy threshold values to thereby determine a proper course of balancing corrections necessary to dynamically place the rotating system in a balanced state. Additionally, a displacement profile may be generated in response to compiling sensor measurements from the sensors. The displacement profile may be converted into force and acceleration values associated with a range of varying rotational speeds.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a balance adjusted wheel and its manufacturing method utilizing a cutting surface, for which cutting is performed by setting a point as a rotation center offset by a given distance from the central axis of a wheel central portion. The invention will improve the work efficiency for wheel balance adjustment and manufacturing of tire/wheel assembly.

Abstract: A method of balancing a set of rotating turbine elements includes measuring imbalance in the rotating elements; adding or removing material to or from at least two correction planes in the turbine set at an angular location measured during the imbalance measurement; and, if necessary, repeating said steps of measuring and removing until a predertermined balance is achieved.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting acceleration and force data associated with a rotating device or rotating system is disclosed, which includes a sine table and a cosine table that may be created based on a particular number of measured data points per revolution of the rotating device or rotating system. Data contained within the sine and cosine tables are then dynamically correlated to obtain acceleration and force data associated with the rotating device or rotating system, wherein dynamically correlated data are thereby utilized to determine a required correction necessary to place the rotating device or rotating system in a balanced state. An error calculated based on a sample size and the number of samples obtained since a last index pulse can be utilized to compute the validity of the data.

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: The object of the invention is to provide a balance adjusted wheel and its manufacturing method utilizing a cutting surface, for which cutting is performed by setting a point as a rotation center offset by a given distance from the central axis of a wheel central portion. The invention will improve the work efficiency for wheel balance adjustment and manufacturing of tire/wheel assembly.

Abstract: A balancing apparatus which is capable of compensating for an eccentricity generated even when a rotating member is rotated at a velocity that is lower than a critical velocity thereof. Preferably, the balancing apparatus is disposed, in relation with the rotating member, at a position spaced apart from a rotation center of the rotating member by a predetermined distance. The balancing apparatus includes a plurality of balls for compensating for an eccentricity, a hardening agent for fixing the balls under the condition that the eccentricity is compensated by the balls, and a keeping member for insertion of the balls and the hardening agent.

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: 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 device for monitoring the temperature and pressure of a liquid coolant in a cooling system having a sealant which seals around a needle from a pressure or temperature probe and re-seals itself upon removal of the needle. The sealant is fitted within an axial bore within the monitoring device. The needles of the pressure and temperature probes puncture the sealant and are adapted to be in communication with the cooling system. The monitoring device further includes a pressure relief probe for rapid decrease of the cooling system pressure. The invention may be for testing a closed pressurized system using the pressure probe with a valve or other orifice for pressurizing the system.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the temperature and pressure of a liquid coolant in a cooling system having a sealant which seals around a needle from a pressure or temperature probe and re-seals itself upon removal of the needle. The sealant is fitted within an axial bore within the monitoring device. The needles of the pressure and temperature probes puncture the sealant and are adapted to be in communication with the cooling system. The monitoring device further includes a pressure relief probe for rapid decrease of the cooling system pressure. The invention may be for testing a closed pressurized system using the pressure probe with a valve or other orifice for pressurizing the system.

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 the rotor of a wind turbine and a balancing weight. The weight is formed of a piece of steel or other material of sufficient weight bent in an L shape with holes that allow it to be bolted onto a flange at the root of the wind turbine's blades. The width, thickness, or length of the weight can be varied to produce balancing weights of unique weight and radius from the rotor's axis of rotation. A trial weight is disclosed for use with the so-called four run method of determining the rotor's unbalance. The trial weight can be quickly and easily attached and removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a balance weight mounting apparatus for a tire wheel by which a balance weight can be automatically mounted on the tire wheel. A six-axes manipulator has a weight holder and hammer head provided at the distal end of the arm thereof. The weight holder and the hammer head can be moved by the operation of the manipulator to the location to which a balance weight is fed by a parts feeder and also can be moved within the plane perpendicular to the circumferential direction of a tire wheel supported by a tire wheel support unit. The balance weight of a predetermined weight fed by the parts feeder is gripped by the weight holder 32, abutted against that portion of the rim, on which this balance weight is to be mounted, of the tire wheel supported by the tire wheel support unit, and then mounted thereon by being driven by the hammer head.

Abstract: A slowly turning rotating mass, such as a wind turbine rotor, is balanced in situ by measuring the magnitude of a phenomenon, such as acceleration, created by rotor unbalance at a location on a mass support shaft which is close to the mass. The measurement of the phenomenon is made along a line selected to be insensitive to the bias of gravity on the mass. The measurement is made while the mass turns at its usual operating rate. The structure which supports the shaft is fixed as rigidly as possible in space while measurements of the phenomenon are made.

Abstract: An apparatus connectable to fluid containing operating systems which creates a vacuum effect upon the fluid in the operating system during repairs and maintenance. The apparatus also permits pressure testing of the repairs and maintenance to the operating system without removal of the apparatus therefrom.

Abstract: An aircraft propeller blade is constructed by forming two shells of composite material laminates and bonding the two shells to a metallic spar with foam filler pieces interposed between the shells at desired locations. The blade is then balanced radially and chordwise.

Abstract: A removable leak testing device for pressure vessels is disclosed. The leak testing device has a base member which overlies the open top of the inlet of the pressure vessel and has a pair of pivotally mounted latches which are mounted on opposite sides of the base member. Each of the latches has at least one finger engagement member which is designed to engage the underside of an out-turned peripheral rim of the inlet of the pressure vessel. A hollow stem is slideably disposed within a central aperture of the base member where the hollow stem has a resilient seal member on one of its ends for engaging an interior seat within the inlet of the pressure vessel. A compression spring is placed between the base member and the resilient seal and surrounds the stem while a nut is bottomed on the base member which enables compression of the spring by rotation of the latches causing the fingers to pull the base member toward the neck to compress the spring and load the seal on the seat of the inlet opening.

Abstract: A pressure tester cap is provided and consists of an air valve sleeve which further houses a conventional SCHRADER.RTM. type air valve, and is incorporated within a pressurized radiator cap which when mounted on a neck of a radiator of a motor vehicle, permits the cooling system to be charged with compressed air from an external source, so as to ascertain if there are any leaks in the radiator system.

Abstract: A device for applying imbalance to a rotor comprises a plurality of chambers disposed symmetrically around the rotor. Each has an opening and is adapted to contain a fluid. Each of a plurality of opening devices associated with the chambers is operable under remote control so as to open the opening of the associated chamber, so that the fluid contained in it may be evacuated from it. Each opening device comprises a pyrotechnic valve incorporating a piston rigidly attached to an assembly and movable from a first position in which the assembly closes the opening of the associated chamber to a second position in which the assembly opens the opening. Such movement is obtained in response to firing of the pyrotechnic valve. The opening device also includes a control circuit which incorporates a receiver responsive to a signal transmitted from a fixed source with no material transmission medium. This control circuit fires the pyrotechnic valve.

Abstract: A device for balancing rotating bodies comprising two inertia masses, which are disposed in a cylindrical housing which can be connected to the body to be balanced such as a grinding disc, and which are mutually connected by means of a self-locking worm gear. The inertia masses may be displaced by means of one single switch shaft having four positions in which the two inertia masses can be displaced either countercurrently in both directions or concurrently. When braking is effected by means of a brake knob disposed on the switch shaft, displacement occurs until the indicated imbalance lies within the low, desirable range. The worm shaft and the worm wheel contained in the inertia masses are in engagement with the worm gear of the switch shaft and the housing.An arrangement of this type permits, on the one hand, a simple mechanical construction and operation, and, on the other hand, a large inertia mass, relative to the volume available, with a wide range of adjustment.

Abstract: A method of testing an engine aftercooler without removing it from the engine, the method including the steps of exposing the air inlet of the aftercooler, applying a gas under a superatmospheric pressure to the air chamber of the aftercooler, maintaining the gas pressure at a predetermined level, monitoring the liquid in the liquid chamber of the aftercooler, whereby the presence of leaks in the aftercooler can be determined by observing the evolution of bubbles from the liquid in the aftercooler.

Abstract: A spin-stabilized body having deployable solar panels or appendages is modified by making the deployment mechanism capable of partial retraction and extension from the normal deployed position on an individually commandable bais. The spin axis of a free spinning body is dependent upon the location of the center of gravity within the body rather than by external bearing or support points as with a restrained spinning body. However, mispositioning of the center of gravity of the spacecraft may cause misalignment of the spin axis with respect to the geometric axis, thereby causing dynamic imbalance which is observed as body wobble. Such wobble can be minimized by offsetting the center of gravity of the panels or appendages from the center of gravity of the spacecraft in the axial direction and making the deployment mechanism for the panels or appendages capable of partial retraction and extension in the radial direction on an individually commandable basis.

Abstract: A system for trim balancing a rotating engine by remote control. A pair of concentric counterweight discs each having lightening holes to render the discs weighted to one side and these unbalanced discs are positioned in the spinning hub of a rotating engine. Control signals are transmitted to activate a pair of servo motors each controlling the angular position of one counterweight disc. The angular position of the discs with respect to each other can be controlled as well as the angular position of the pair of discs taken together with respect to the rotating engine.