With Electrical Sensor And Indicator Patents (Class 73/462)
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Publication number: 20040243283Abstract: A method and an apparatus for balancing an elongate structure (1) rotating about an axis, like a spindle (3) carrying two grinding wheels (5, 6), wherein two vibration-detecting sensors (7, 8) and associated balancing devices (9, 10) with/movable masses (11-14) are arranged at to checking sections (S1, S2) spaced out along the axis of rotation. Processing and control means (20) control the balancing devices on the basis of one or more signals (VC; VC1, VC2) achieved as combination(s) of the vibrations, in module, detected by both the sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventors: William Montanari, Franco Danielli
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Publication number: 20040237647Abstract: A drive location compensation system determines a deviation between an actual and nominal position of a drive location on a rotor relative to an attachment location on the rotor. The compensation system uses a balancing machine and a sensor that detects when one of the attachment locations passes a known position. Based on the output of the sensor and a known position of a drive spindle of the balancing machine that is coupled to the drive location on the rotor, a relationship between the drive spindle and the attachment location is determined. This relationship is compared to a nominal relationship that is based on a calibration standard. The deviation is compensated for during the balancing of the rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2003Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventors: James P. Youells, Scott B. Holland
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Patent number: 6823732Abstract: Balancing machine comprising a shell or frame (3) suspension-mounted on a bed (2) via elastic supports, a shaft (8) rotatably supported by said frame at two points spaced a predetermined distance apart and having that end emerging from the bed provided with means (80) for locking a wheel (11), drive means for rotating said shaft, and force transducer means (33) applied between the bed and the shaft, characterised in that the drive means are rigid with the suspension-mounted frame, between the bed (2) and frame (3) there being interposed an elastic support comprising at least two coplanar leaf springs (4, 5) symmetrical about the shaft axis and positioned in a plane perpendicular to the plane containing the axes of said drive means, of said shaft and of said transducer means.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Corghi S.p.A.Inventor: Remo Corghi
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Publication number: 20040226368Abstract: A process for balancing a vehicular driveline including a propeller shaft and an input shaft of a vehicle axle interconnected by a universal joint. First, the vehicle propeller shaft is balanced to a predetermined residual imbalance having an imbalance vector angle of 0° or 180° which lies inline with open set of cardan joint trunnions. The corrected residual imbalance is then visually marked. Next, the input shaft is balanced to a predetermined residual imbalance having an imbalance vector angle of 0° or 180° which lies inline with cross-holes in yoke ears. Again, the corrected residual imbalance on the input shaft is then visually marked. During the assembly of the vehicle, the assembly line operator couples the propeller shaft to the input shaft through a cardan joint cross by aligning the marks on the propeller shaft and the input shaft so that the marks are located opposite to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventors: Andrew L. Nieman, Kerry Shannon
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Patent number: 6810733Abstract: The balancing system includes two balancing rings which can be rotated, and secured in desired angular positions, in relation to one another and are provided with an unbalance. Annular grooves in the inner surface of the balancing rings and annular grooves which are situated opposite the aforementioned annular grooves and are located in a cylindrical outer surface of the rotating machine part accommodate an elastic ring which secures the balancing rings in the axial direction. A radial threaded bore which is not continuous in the outward direction and is located in the balancing rings accommodates a locking screw for securing the balancing rings.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Rego-Fix AGInventor: Michael Fischer
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Patent number: 6810593Abstract: A method of reducing an n-order component of a radial run out (RRO) of a wheel rim is disclosed, wherein an average Y of RRO Y1 and RRO Y2 of the bead seats is obtained around the wheel rim; the peak-to-peak amplitude X of the n-order component of the average Y is obtained; minimum position(s) at which the n-order component becomes minimum is found to determine deep position(s) P on the wheel rim corresponding to the minimum position(s); a corrective tape having a thickness t of 0.1 to 0.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2003Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyuki Kobayashi
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Patent number: 6805004Abstract: The machine determines, by first measurement sensor means (30), the axial position of at least one transverse balancing plane (P1, P2) in which the operator chooses to apply a respective balancing mass, and the radial position of points on the application surface (11a) corresponding with said balancing plane (P1, P2), while the machine monitors the angular position of the body (10); the body (10) is rotated and by suitable means the machine determines the imbalance means together with the data originating from the first and second sensor means, the value of each balancing mass and the position of its point of application on the application surface (11a) being determined.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2003Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Corghi S.p.A.Inventor: Remo Corghi
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Patent number: 6799460Abstract: A wheel balancer is provided that includes a shaft adapted for receiving a wheel/tire assembly and rotating a wheel/tire assembly removably mounted thereon, a motor operation connected to the shaft for rotating the shaft about its longitudinal axis, thereby rotating the wheel/tire assembly, a load roller for applying a generally radial force to the wheel/tire assembly during rotation so that loaded wheel/tire assembly measurements may be determined while the force is applied thereto and a control circuit. The control circuit is responsive the loaded wheel/tire assembly measurements and to a tire stiffness value to make a determination of a predetermined uniformity parameter.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2000Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Hunter Engineering CompanyInventors: Paul Daniel Parker, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Michael W. Douglas
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Patent number: 6789422Abstract: A method and system for balancing a rotating machinery that operates at or near resonance during its normal operating speed, and which has three separate shafts whose axes of rotations are not aligned along a common axis of rotation and counterweights connected near the ends of each of the shafts. The method includes obtaining speed and vibration data, by mounting velocity transducers on the machine's inner frame and outer casing. A data acquisition system is used to collect and analyze the speed and vibration data for steady state and transient operations. The method further includes adjusting the counterweights using a predetermined rotor influence coefficient determined experimentally using the same setup of transducers, to reduce vibrations below an acceptable level. The data is collected from measurement locations where the number and positions of the measurement locations are less than and different from the number and locations of the correction planes.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: United States Enrichment CorporationInventor: Talmadge D. Ward, Jr.
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Patent number: 6786093Abstract: Balancing apparatus that supports and rotates a body to be measured with a rotating mechanism so that the body vibrates due to the dynamic imbalance thereof. The vibration of the body is transmitted to a vibration member and then detected by a sensor. A vibrator is connected to the vibration member. The vibrator applies to the vibration member a vibration that is an inverse of a vibration that will be generated in the vibration member by an ideal body having an ideal dynamic imbalance. By detecting the vibration remaining in the vibration member, the balancing apparatus measures the deviation of the dynamic imbalance of the body from the ideal dynamic imbalance.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Kokusai Keisokuki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroki Miura
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Patent number: 6752016Abstract: A method and an apparatus for balancing a motor vehicle wheel, in which the torque during acceleration to the measurement rotation speed and during braking after carrying out the measurement run is adjusted as a function of the wheel type to be balanced, such that the rotationally fixed connection between the main shaft and the motor vehicle wheel is maintained even when the driving prestressing force between the main shaft and the motor vehicle wheel is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2003Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Snap-On Equipment GmbHInventor: Karl Rothamel
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Patent number: 6748806Abstract: Static and/or dynamic balancing of a CT gantry is provided by electronically positionable masses incorporated into the gantry structure that may be moved to nullify gantry imbalances caused by variation in components specifications or replacement of components on a balanced gantry.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company LLCInventor: Matthew A. Halsmer
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Publication number: 20040098168Abstract: A balancer assembly 10 which automatically provides balancer limits, which achieves a balancing state while substantially minimizing short term vibration increases and which provides for multi-plane balancer dithering.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventor: Stephen William Dyer
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Patent number: 6732585Abstract: An apparatus for balancing wheels includes a chassis, a driven shaft extending from the chassis for rotating the wheel, a wheel mounting accessory operably mounted on the driven shaft for use in mounting the wheel, and an accessory storage device rotatably mounted on the chassis for storing the accessory when not in use.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Hennessy Industries, Inc.Inventors: Charles L. Cunningham, D. Randall Greer
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Publication number: 20040083810Abstract: An apparatus for determining balancing information of an object in rotation comprises a base, an arm, a spindle, at least one force sensor, a rolling road, a controller, and an actuator. The arm is rotatably connected to the base about a pivot axis. The spindle is positioned on the arm and receives and rotates the object. The force sensor detects forces generated by the object during rotation of the object. The rolling road includes a surface upon which the object can be positioned. The controller receives force information from the sensor and calculates the balancing information from the force information. An actuator connected to both the arm and the base moves with the movement being controlled by the controller. The object can be a wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Snap-On Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Ron Racine
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Publication number: 20040074298Abstract: A method and apparatus accurately measuring the amount of unbalance of a disc, based on the time to reach a target RPM (Rotation Per Minute) regardless of an assembly condition of a disc drive. The method includes: storing a plurality of reference disc unbalance values; measuring an RPM (Rotation Per Minute) of the disc; comparing the measured RPM with a target RPM; and when the measured RPM reaches the target RPM, detecting a reference disc unbalance value among the plurality of reference disc unbalance values based on an elapsed time to reach the target RPM. Accordingly, the amount of disc imbalance of the disc can be constantly measured regardless of an assembly condition of the disc drive and the computer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kyoung-Seo Min
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Publication number: 20040065149Abstract: Balancing machine comprising a shell or frame (3) suspension-mounted on a bed (2) via elastic supports, a shaft (8) rotatably supported by said frame at two points spaced a predetermined distance apart and having that end emerging from the bed provided with means (80) for locking a wheel (11), drive means for rotating said shaft, and force transducer means (33) applied between the bed and the shaft, characterised in that the drive means are rigid with the suspension-mounted frame, between the bed (2) and frame (3) there being interposed an elastic support comprising at least two coplanar leaf springs (4, 5) symmetrical about the shaft axis and positioned in a plane perpendicular to the plane containing the axes of said drive means, of said shaft and of said transducer means.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Applicant: CORGHI S.P.A.Inventor: Remo Corghi
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Patent number: 6715351Abstract: A improved vehicle wheel balancer for a wheel assembly including an adjustable wheel data acquisition arm configured to transition from at least a first operating position adapted for use with vehicle wheels having a first range of inner diameters, to at least a second operating position adapted for use with vehicle wheels having a second range of inner diameters which differ, at least in-part, from the first range of inner diameters.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Hunter Engineering CompanyInventors: William B. Feero, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Michael D. Gerdes, Michael W. Douglas
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Patent number: 6714858Abstract: An on-road balancing system is provided that includes an analyzer, vibration sensor, and rotation sensor. The rotation sensor is coupled to at least one vehicle wheel and the vibration sensor is coupled to a component within the vehicle. The analyzer is responsive to input from the rotation sensor and the vibration sensor to calculate a phasor quantity representative of vibrations transmitted from the wheel to the component.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2002Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Kenneth L. Oblizajek, Carl T. Wright, John D Sopoci
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Publication number: 20040055361Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a centrifuge control system, which are particularly suited for automatically calibrating a centrifuge imbalance detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventors: Harvey Schneider, David M. Carson
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Patent number: 6708563Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring a rotor imbalance. Said device comprises a main shaft which is rotatably mounted in a machine housing and to which the rotor to be measured is fixed, a single-phase alternating-current motor for driving the main shaft, with a single-phase winding (4) and an auxiliary winding (5) which is offset in phase for driving the main shaft (1) up to measurement speed and a control device (17) that adjusts the current of the motor. Said control device (17) has an assembly (8, 6; 7; 20; 22, 23) which reduces the supply current delivered to the two windings (4, 5) of the motor (3; 21) once the measurement speed has been reached, in such a way that the motor creates a reduced torque which substantially compensates a speed drop produced by friction and drag.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Snap-On Equipment GmbHInventors: Karl Rothamel, Gottfried Kühn
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Publication number: 20040050159Abstract: The machine determines, by first measurement sensor means (30), the axial position of at least one transverse balancing plane (P1, P2) in which the operator chooses to apply a respective balancing mass, and the radial position of points on the application surface (11a) corresponding with said balancing plane (P1, P2), while the machine monitors the angular position of the body (10); the body (10) is rotated and by suitable means the machine determines the imbalance means together with the data originating from the first and second sensor means, the value of each balancing mass and the position of its point of application on the application surface (11a) being determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Applicant: CORGHI S.P.A.Inventor: Remo Corghi
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Patent number: 6694812Abstract: Machine and method for dynamically balancing rotatable shafts featuring positioning and welding equipment that is controlled by an electronic control unit that determines the imbalance of a rotating shaft and the amount of weight required at predetermined balance planes associated with misalignment joints of the shaft. The positioning and welding equipment is moved along a rail of the machine parallel with the shaft mounted therein into precision points and the welding gun moves into a welding position in which the shaft is griped by the welder and the correction weight is welded at the correction point on the shaft in the correction plane. In a second embodiment, balancing is achieved by removing calculated amount of materials at points on the shaft determined by the electronic control unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Schenck Rotec CorporationInventors: Peter Loetzner, C. Peter Hemingray, Charles Maas
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Patent number: 6691573Abstract: A mobile testing environment is adapted for detecting drive line system imbalances in an automotive vehicle and includes an enclosed trailer for providing insulation from ambient weather, temperature and noise. The trailer also has a hitch for attachment to a towing vehicle for transport. An angular position and speed sensor is adapted to generate a signal responsive to speed and angular position of a drive shaft. Vibration sensors are adapted to detect drive line vibration and generate a signal responsive thereto. A signal analyzer is adapted to receive signals generated by the angular position and speed sensor and the vibration sensors to calculate any imbalance in the drive line system and present counterbalance weight and position parameters for correcting any system imbalance. The angular sensor comprises a pair of perceptron cameras adapted to send a pair of signals to the signal analyzer.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Frank Silvagi, Jeffrey Peters, Robert Shiloff
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Patent number: 6688173Abstract: The invention relates to a balancing device consisting of a balancing machine provided with a shaft for clamping a wheel, a supporting frame and a cover which is placed on top of the supporting flame. The balancing machine can be pivoted 90° in relation to the supporting frame, moving from a horizontal measuring position to an upper position or centering position. In order to facilitate handling when the wheel is placed on the shaft of the balancing machine, said balancing machine is provided with a height adjustment device which enables the balancing machine to be lowered into the supporting frame and moved out of the centering position, whereby the outer end of the shaft does not protrude above the cover.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Horst WarkotschInventor: Dirk Warkotsch
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Patent number: 6687572Abstract: A method for dynamically balancing a rotating system through strategic control model updates, wherein said system contains sensors and sensor measurements whose responses to control actions are used to represent the system through a control model, where said control model and sensor measurements are used to determine future control actions is disclosed. The performance of the control model is evaluated using sensor measurements and responses; the evaluation is further used to determine if it is necessary to update the control model. The ongoing performance of the current control model is anticipated utilizing rate-of-change metrics obtained by evaluating said sensor measurements and responses. When a new control model is needed, further evaluation is done to determine if sensor measurements and responses are adequate for updating the control model.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Kevin J. Stalsberg, Dennice F. Gayme
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Publication number: 20040003661Abstract: Apparatus and method for measurement of any unbalance of a motor cycle wheel, havingType: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Applicant: Snap-on Equipment GmbHInventor: Karl Rothamel
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Patent number: 6672158Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for balancing a motor vehicle wheel comprising a pneumatic tire and a disk wheel, the wheel is clamped on a measuring spindle and geometrical data of the wheel are sensed and stored. Wheel unbalance is ascertained in at least one measuring run and at least one balancing vector for balancing mass and balancing position is calculated in accordance with a balancing program selected in dependence on the disk wheel type and material, in at least one balancing plane. At least one balancing weight is fixed to the wheel in dependence on the balancing vector. When sensing a rim region of the wheel a sensor detects whether a rim portion extending substantially perpendicularly to the measuring spindle is or is not present in the rim region being sensed and the balancing program is selected in dependence on the signal obtained in the sensing operation with the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1999Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Hofmann Werkstatt-Technik GmbHInventors: Eickhart Goebel, Bernhard Hoffmann, Karl Rothamel, Walter Hollube
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Publication number: 20030230142Abstract: Measurement is made of centrifugal force produced on a crankshaft to be tested that is being rotated about its rotation axis, to provide centrifugal force variation information of the crankshaft. Also, measurement is made of errors in respective rotational phases of crankpins of the crankshaft about rotation axes of the crankpins. Dummy information, comprising rotational unbalance data representative of rotational unbalance components to be removed from the centrifugal force variation information of the crankshaft, is created using the measured errors in the respective rotational phases. Then, an initial rotational unbalance value of the crankshaft is determined, using the dummy information and the centrifugal force variation information of the crankshaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2003Publication date: December 18, 2003Applicants: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Kokusai Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eiji Tamura, Yasunori Yamazaki, Joseph Makin, Hiroki Miura
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Patent number: 6658936Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for measuring uniformity and dynamic balance of a tire, comprising: a spindle rotatably supported in a rigidly-supported spindle housing, said tire being fixedly mounted on said spindle, said spindle being rotated when measurement is performed; and at least one piezoelectric force sensor mounted on a surface of said spindle housing, said at least one piezoelectric force sensor detecting a force generated by rotation of the tire as said spindle is rotated.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Kokusai Keisokuki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Sigeru Matsumoto
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Publication number: 20030221487Abstract: A mobile testing environment (100) is adapted for detecting drive line system imbalances in an automotive vehicle (118) and includes an enclosed trailer (102) for providing insulation from ambient weather, temperature and noise. The trailer (102) also has a hitch (124) for attachment to a towing vehicle for transport. An angular position and speed sensor (130) is adapted to generate a signal responsive to speed and angular position of a drive shaft. Vibration sensors (132), (134), and (136) are adapted to detect drive line vibration and generate a signal responsive thereto. A signal analyzer (138) is adapted to receive signals generated by the angular position and speed sensor (130) and the vibration sensors (132), (134) and (136) to calculate any imbalance in the drive line system and present counterbalance weight and position parameters for correcting any system imbalance. The angular sensor comprises a pair of perceptron cameras adapted to send a pair of signals to signal analyzer (138).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Frank Silvagi, Jeffrey Peters, Robert Shiloff
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Patent number: 6655208Abstract: A method and apparatus for quickly and efficiently balancing an article, such as a tube for use in a vehicular drive shaft assembly, for rotation about an axis is provided. Initially, a balance ring is press fit or otherwise mounted onto the article to be balanced. The balance ring includes a ring of a material that can be selectively removed to balance the article for rotation, such as powdered metal. The article is mounted on an apparatus for rotating the article at a predetermined speed and for sensing vibrations that are caused by imbalances in the structure of the article. An electronic controller is responsive to such sensed vibrations for determining the size and location of one or more balance weights that, if secured to the article, will minimize or eliminate these imbalances.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Virginia L. McClanahan
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Publication number: 20030213301Abstract: A balancing machine for rotating bodies in general and for motor vehicle wheels in particular, comprising a rotating shaft supported rotatably by a supporting element that is connected to a structure of the balancing machine by means of laminas and two tension members which are substantially perpendicular to each other, at an end of which measurement transducers are arranged, an electric motor being provided for the actuation of the rotating shaft, the rotor of the motor being keyed on the rotating shaft, the balancing machine further comprising bearings for supporting the rotating shaft which are arranged at the supporting element and are external with respect to the rotor, the stator of the electric motor being monolithically connected to the supporting element.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2003Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventor: Carlo Buzzi
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Publication number: 20030213302Abstract: Balancing apparatus that supports and rotates a body to be measured with a rotating mechanism so that the body vibrates due to the dynamic imbalance thereof. The vibration of the body is transmitted to a vibration member and then detected by a sensor. A vibrator is connected to the vibration member. The vibrator applies to the vibration member a vibration that is an inverse of a vibration that will be generated in the vibration member by an ideal body having an ideal dynamic imbalance. By detecting the vibration remaining in the vibration member, the balancing apparatus measures the deviation of the dynamic imbalance of the body from the ideal dynamic imbalance.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2003Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventor: Hiroki Miura
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Patent number: 6635007Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a centrifuge system, the centrifuge system including a rotor and a motor operatively coupled to the rotor, the apparatus including an accelerometer coupled to the centrifuge system so as to measure an acceleration of at least a portion of the centrifuge system during operation of the centrifuge system to provide an acceleration signal, a filter that receives the acceleration signal and provides a filtered acceleration signal, and a controller that receives the displacement signal and controls the centrifuge system in response to the displacement signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Thermo IEC, Inc.Inventors: Robert R. Evans, III, Dara McMahon
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Patent number: 6631640Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Kokusai Keisokuki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroki Miura
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Publication number: 20030183003Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for dispensing all amount of imbalance correction weight for attachment to a rotary element to reduce an imbalance in the rotary element. The imbalance correction weight includes a number of individual weights provided on a length of double-sided adhesive tape. A guide directs the imbalance correction weight through a channel provided by the guide toward a tape divider. A driver pulls a protective backing away from the tape causing the imbalance correction weight to move through the channel toward the tape divider. A sensor counts the individual weights that move past it. When the sensor has counted a desired number of individual weights, a controller instructs the driver to stop pulling on the protective backing thereby stopping movement of the imbalance correction weight and then instructs the tape divider to divide the tape to provide the amount of imbalance correction weight.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Peter L. Gross, Todd L. Eck
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Patent number: 6618646Abstract: A balancer assembly 10 which automatically provides balancer limits, which achieves a balancing state while substantially minimizing short term vibration increases and which provides for multi-plane balancer dithering.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1999Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Baladyne Corp.Inventor: Stephen William Dyer
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Publication number: 20030159508Abstract: Static and/or dynamic balancing of a CT gantry is provided by electronically positionable masses incorporated into the gantry structure that may be moved to nullify gantry imbalances caused by variation in components specifications or replacement of components on a balanced gantry.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2002Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventor: Matthew A. Halsmer
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Publication number: 20030154785Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for balancing vehicle driveshafts. One embodiment of a method according to the present invention comprises analyzing a driveshaft and determining a balancing vector to counter any imbalance in the driveshaft. A determination is then made of the appropriate location on the driveshaft for mounting a weight to counter said imbalance and the weight is mounted to the driveshaft. An apparatus for balancing a driveshaft according to the present invention comprises one or more primary balancing weights capable of being mounted to pinion flange holes in a vehicle driveshaft. One or more secondary balancing weights are also included, each of which is capable of being mounted to, or held by, one of the primary weights. The primary weights and secondary weights are mounted to the pinion flange to provide a weight to counter any imbalance in the driveshaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2003Publication date: August 21, 2003Applicant: VETRONIX CORPORATION, INC.Inventors: Thomas Ray Calkins, Ohlan Silpachai, Robert J. Dial, Kevin Gehris, Michael G. Shinn
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Patent number: 6595053Abstract: A device and method for reducing on-car runout and imbalance in a tire/wheel assembly. An on-car runout device has a powered roller that rotates the tire/wheel assembly while it is mounted on the vehicle hub and a runout measuring device that measures the runout of the vehicle hub and a surface of the tire/wheel assembly. The on-car runout device can operate in combination with an off-car balancer in an integrated balancing system, and a computer determines the optimal position and amount of weights to reduce the imbalance. The on-car runout device also minimizes the runout in a tire/wheel assembly by automatically optimizing the position of the tire/wheel assembly relative to the runout of the vehicle's hub.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Hunter Engineering CompanyInventor: Paul Daniel Parker
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Patent number: 6590960Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Hans Juergen Kroener, Hans-Juergen Mueller
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Publication number: 20030115957Abstract: A method and a device for moving a wheel rotatably mounted on a wheel balancing machine from a first position at which unbalance compensation has been performed, to a second unbalance compensation position for further unbalance compensation. According to the method, the rotor is externally driven, e.g., by hand, to freely running rotation, at which time, a drive motor is energized to generate a torque which acts counter to the direction of rotation of the wheel and to bring the wheel to a stop over a braking distance brought about by the counter torque which corresponds to the angle of rotation which is traveled over up to the unbalance compensation position, whereupon, the motor is de-energized. The apparatus includes a motor drive including an alternating voltage controller having a longitudinal switching device; and a commutation switching device, the switching devices each including two semiconductor switches which are connected in an anti-serial configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2002Publication date: June 26, 2003Applicant: Snap-On Equipment GmbHInventors: Karl Rothamel, Lorenz Lenhardt
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Patent number: 6536279Abstract: A process for balancing a shaft, particularly a cardan shaft with an attached oscillation damper is shown. The oscillation damper consists of a hub attached to the shaft, a damper ring lying concentric to same, and elements elastically attached to the hub and damping ring. The imbalance of the entire system is determined on a balancing machine, and the radial runout of the damping ring is measured in parallel to same. An imbalance corresponding to the imbalance of the damping ring is determined from the radial runout, and the imbalance of the shaft without the damping ring is determined by calculation of the difference between the total imbalance and the imbalance of the damping ring. The balancing process according to the invention lowers production costs by reduction of processing time during balancing. At the same time, an improvement in function and an increase in service life of the oscillation damper is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: MTU Friedrichshafen GmbHInventor: Otmar Berna
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Patent number: 6535281Abstract: A method and an apparatus for scanning a vehicle wheel, wherein a location on the wheel is sensed by means of a light beam emitted by a light source and is reflected to a position-sensitive receiver. The spacing of the sensed location relative to a reference location is measured from the directions of the emitted beam and the reflected beam. The light source and the position-sensitive receiver are synchronously pivoted about a common axis by means of a rotary drive including a stepping motor for successive measurement steps. A rotary angle sensor supplies signals proportional to the rotary position of the stepping motor to an evaluation system.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Snap-On Deutschland Holding GmbHInventors: Paul Conheady, John Brennan, Helen Lowe
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Publication number: 20030046999Abstract: A vehicle wheel balancer obtains data relative to the imbalance of a vehicle wheel. The wheel balancer includes a rotatable shaft having a free end adapted for extending through a center hole of the wheel, and a proximal end opposite the free end. A locating hub is carried on the shaft, and is adapted for engaging a first side of the wheel to locate the wheel on the balancer. A centering sleeve is carried on the shaft adjacent the locating hub, and is adapted for extending through the center hole of the wheel to center the wheel relative to the shaft. The centering sleeve is releasably locked onto the wheel balancer, such that the centering sleeve remains secured to the wheel balancer upon removal of the wheel from the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2001Publication date: March 13, 2003Inventor: Alan H. Hansen
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Publication number: 20030041666Abstract: A device and method for reducing on-car runout and imbalance in a tire/wheel assembly. An on-car runout device has a powered roller that rotates the tire/wheel assembly while it is mounted on the vehicle hub and a runout measuring device that measures the runout of the vehicle hub and a surface of the tire/wheel assembly. The on-car runout device can operate in combination with an off-car balancer in an integrated balancing system, and a computer determines the optimal position and amount of weights to reduce the imbalance. The on-car runout device also minimizes the runout in a tire/wheel assembly by automatically optimizing the position of the tire/wheel assembly relative to the runout of the vehicle's hub.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2001Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventor: Paul Daniel Parker
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Publication number: 20030033873Abstract: The balancing system includes two balancing rings which can be rotated, and secured in desired angular positions, in relation to one another and are provided with an unbalance. Annular grooves in the inner surface of the balancing rings and annular grooves which are situated opposite the aforementioned annular grooves and are located in a cylindrical outer surface of the rotating machine part accommodate an elastic ring which secures the balancing rings in the axial direction. A radial threaded bore which is not continuous in the outward direction and is located in the balancing rings accommodates a locking screw for securing the balancing rings.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2002Publication date: February 20, 2003Applicant: Rego-Fix AG.Inventor: Michael Fischer
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Patent number: 6520012Abstract: A process and device corrects an ascertained unbalance on a rotor (1) that has equidistantly arranged sites along a rotor circumference for an unbalance correction by means of material removal. Correction tools (5,5′) arranged at a fixed distance from each other are provided, and the correction tools (5,5′) can be positioned crosswise to the rotor axis (10) by a movement between the rotor (10) and the correction tools (5,5′) in the tangential direction resulting from the ascertained rotor unbalance. For purposes of material removal, the correction tools (5,5′), are moved, at least in the radial direction between the rotor (10) and the correction tools (5,5′), into the rotor (1) by a movement resulting from the ascertained rotor unbalance. In order to carry out an unbalance correction in one single work step using the simplest possible set-up, just two correction tools (5,5′) are provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2000Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Schenck Rotec GmbHInventor: Harald Schönfeld
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Publication number: 20030024309Abstract: Machine and method for dynamically balancing rotatable shafts featuring positioning and welding equipment that is controlled by an electronic control unit that determines the imbalance of a rotating shaft and the amount of weight required at predetermined balance planes associated with misalignment joints of the shaft. The positioning and welding equipment is moved along a rail of the machine parallel with the shaft mounted therein into precision points and the welding gun moves into a welding position in which the shaft is griped by the welder and the correction weight is welded at the correction point on the shaft in the correction plane. In a second embodiment, balancing is achieved by removing calculated amount of materials at points on the shaft determined by the electronic control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Peter Loetzner, C. Peter Hemingray, Charles Maas