Abstract: An apparatus for the measurement of centrifugal forces generated by a rotary member such as a vehicle wheel which is out of balance, comprises a rotary member mounting for supporting the rotary member with respect to an apparatus frame structure. The rotary member and the rotary member mounting form a sub-critical oscillating system in measurement of the rotary member which rotates for a measuring procedure. The apparatus further includes a measurement sensor which is in the form of a force pick-up and whose direction of application of force extends approximately tangentially to a circle through the location of the application of force at the measurement sensor, around a virtual mounting location.

Abstract: A wheel balancer includes a shaft adapted for receiving a wheel/tire assembly. The balancer has a longitudinal axis and is rotatable about the axis so as to rotate the wheel/tire assembly removably mounted thereon. A sensor assembly is provided for measuring rotation of the shaft about the longitudinal axis. A vibration sensor assembly measures vibration of the wheel/tire assembly as the wheel/tire assembly is rotated. A motor operatively connected to the shaft rotates the shaft about the longitudinal axis, thereby to rotate the wheel/tire assembly. A load roller applies a generally radial force, which can exceed one hundred fifty pounds, to the wheel/tire assembly during rotation of said wheel/tire assembly. A sensor detects lateral force, wheel/tire assembly radius, and/or wheel/tire assembly diameter, which can have a tendency to cause a vehicle on which the wheel/tire assembly is mounted during use to deviate from a straight line path.

Abstract: An automotive roadwheel is pre-balanced before a tire is mounted thereto. The wheel is balanced by applying a mass of ballasted adhesive to a protected surface of the wheel.

Abstract: A method facilitates simultaneously balancing mechanically coupled, synchronously rotating rotors. The rotors have different axes of rotation relative to one another and together define a rotor group to be balanced. Each rotor has at least one of a bearing plane and an other measuring plane associated therewith, the other measuring plane significantly describing vibrations of the each rotor. The rotors within the rotor group together have a number of different angular velocities associated therewith. At least one rotor of the rotor group is equipped with at least one vibration pickup in at least one of each bearing plane and the other measuring plane thereof. As many impulse and phase transmitters are installed in the rotor group as are provided the number of different angular velocities associated with the rotors within the rotor group.

Abstract: A balancer for a wheel rim/tire assembly, including a rotation sensor assembly for measuring rotation, and a motor operatively connected for rotating the wheel rim/tire assembly. A control circuit controls the motor to actively hold the wheel rim/tire assembly at a desired rotational position. A rim measuring apparatus is configured to scan the inner surface of the wheel rim/tire assembly. The optimum plane locations, amounts of correction weights, and the number of correction weights, are calculated by the control circuit to result in a minimized residual static and dynamic imbalance. The control circuit utilizes the motor drive to automatically index and hold the wheel rim/tire assembly at the proper rotational position for placement of an imbalance correction weight, and a laser pointer illuminates the surface of the wheel rim/tire assembly at the axial position of the weight imbalance correction plane at which the imbalance correction weight is to be applied.

Abstract: The process contemplates material removal from the surface of rotating bodies (11) by moving at least one milling cutter (5) along an arched trajectory (21) in a plane transverse to the axis of the bodies, so as to remove the material in the circumferential direction of the body surface and parallel to the axis of the milling cutter (5). This working can be carried out in addition to a vectorial milling. The trajectory (21) is obtained by composing two linear translations perpendicular to the milling cutter (5) by adjustment of the speed and the rotation direction of the motors producing such translations.

Abstract: A method for detecting an anomaly, such as a crack, in a rotor includes measuring the rotational speed and vibration of the rotor. A vibration signal synchronous with the frequency of rotation is filtered from the vibration measurement. A background vibration vector is then subtracted from the synchronous vibration signal to produce a vibration difference signal. The phase and amplitude of the vibration difference signal are measured and evaluated to determine whether an anomaly has developed. An apparatus for performing this method includes vibration and speed sensors coupled to a filter for extracting a signal from the vibration measurement having a frequency synchronous with the rotation of the rotor. A processor is coupled to the filter and the speed sensor and is programmed to perform the processing steps, described above.

Abstract: A wheel balancer is provided that includes a shaft adapted for receiving a wheel/tire assembly, the shaft having a longitudinal axis and being rotatable about the axis so as to rotate a wheel/tire assembly removably mounted thereon, a sensor assembly for measuring rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis, a vibration sensor assembly for measuring vibration of the wheel/tire assembly as the wheel/tire assembly is rotated, a motor operably connected to the shaft for rotating the shaft about its longitudinal axis, a load roller for applying a generally radial force to the wheel/tire assembly during rotation of the wheel/tire assembly and a sensor for measuring the lateral force between the load roller and the wheel/tire assembly. A control circuit is also included that is responsive to the measured vibration of the wheel/tire assembly to determine wheel imbalance, and responsive to the measurement of lateral force to provide information relating to the measured lateral force to the user.

Abstract: A wheel balancer is provided that includes a shaft adapted for receiving a wheel/tire assembly, the shaft having a longitudinal axis and being rotatable about the axis so as to rotate a wheel/tire assembly removably mounted thereon, a sensor assembly for measuring the rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis, a vibration sensor assembly for measuring vibration of the wheel/tire assembly as the wheel/tire assembly is rotated, a motor operatively connected to the shaft for rotating the shaft about its longitudinal axis, a load roller for applying a force greater than 150, pounds in a generally radial direction to the wheel/tire assembly during rotation of the wheel/tire assembly and a control circuit responsive to measurements from the vibration sensor assembly to determine imbalance.

Abstract: A method for automatically correcting the dynamic imbalance of a disc pack of a disc drive, the disc pack conveyed to a first selected position in a balance correction assembly station where a rotary positioner lifts and rotates the disc pack to a reference position for the attachment of weighted shims to the disc pack. A shim selector assembly delivers a selected shim, and an end effector transfers the selected shim to a shim attachment assembly. The shim attachment assembly rotates and spreads open the shim so that the disc pack can be receivingly engaged thereby, and the shim attachment assembly releases the selected shim to lockingly engage the disc pack. A flipping assembly reverses the disc pack for placement of another selected shim to the other end of the disc pack, as required.

Abstract: The present invention is a tire inspecting apparatus comprising: a rotating unit, which rotates a tire having a specific point and a mark indicating a reference point; a sensor, which detects that the mark has been positioned in a predetermined direction with respect to a center of the tire; a detecting unit, which detects a position of the specific point; and a controller, which drives the rotating unit; stops the rotation of the tire when the mark has been positioned in the predetermined direction with respect to the center of the tire; causes the detecting unit to detect the position of the specific point; and detects an angle in a clockwise direction, between a direction connecting the detected position of the specific point and the center of the tire, and the predetermined direction.

Abstract: Rotors, especially elastic rotors, are balanced by measuring unbalance values which provide information regarding the size, or rather the weight of balancing weights and the angular location where these balancing weights are to be secured to the rotor. For obtaining balancing weights an excitation force is applied to the rotor which is at a standstill or which may, but does not have to, rotate when the excitation force is applied by a hammer (11), equipped with a sensor (S) and an output (11A) to provide excitation force spectra. Further sensors (7, 8) are positioned in bearing planes (ME1, ME2) and provide response force spectra. The excitation force spectra and the response force spectra due to the rotating unbalanced rotor are then processed to obtain the unbalance compensating values required for the balancing operation.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is therefore a method for balancing a hollow cylindrical, rotatable object that is coupled to a drive source that is configured to rotate the rotatable object without a central shaft. The method includes steps of: mounting an arbor having a forward shaft and an aft shaft to an inner wall of the rotatable object so that the forward shaft and aft shaft are concentric to an axis of rotation of the rotatable object; operating the drive source to rotate the rotatable object and the arbor; measuring displacement of the forward shaft and the aft shaft of the arbor while the drive source is rotating the rotatable object; applying balancing weights to the rotatable object in accordance with the measured displacements; and removing the arbor from the rotatable object when a balance is achieved.

Abstract: A wheel balancer is provided that includes a shaft adapted for receiving a wheel/tire assembly, the shaft having a longitudinal axis and being rotatable about the axis so as to rotate a wheel/tire assembly removably mounted thereon, a rotation sensor assembly for measuring rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis, a vibration sensor assembly operatively connected to the shaft for measuring vibration resulting from imbalance in the wheel/tire assembly, a motor operably connected to the shaft for rotating the shaft about its longitudinal axis, a load roller for applying force to the wheel/tire assembly during rotation thereof. A control circuit is also included for controlling the force applied by the load roller to the wheel/tire assembly during rotation. The control circuit causes the load roller to vary the force applied by the load roller to the wheel/tire assembly.

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 wheel balancer is provided that includes a shaft adapted for receiving a wheel/tire assembly, the shaft having a longitudinal axis and being rotatable about the axis so as to rotate a wheel/tire assembly removably mounted thereon, a rotation sensor assembly for measuring rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis, a vibration sensor assembly for measuring vibration of the wheel/tire assembly as the wheel/tire assembly is rotated, a motor operably connected to the shaft for rotating the shaft about its longitudinal axis, a load roller for applying a generally radial force to the wheel/tire assembly during rotation of the wheel/tire assembly and a sensor for measuring the runout of the wheel rim of the wheel/tire assembly at the bead seat.

Abstract: A wheel balancer is provided that includes a shaft adapted for receiving a wheel/tire assembly, the shaft having a longitudinal axis and being rotatable about the axis so as to rotate a wheel/tire assembly removably mounted thereon, a rotation sensor for measuring rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis, a vibration sensor operatively connected to the shaft for measuring vibrations resulting from imbalance in the wheel/tire assembly and a motor operatively connected to the shaft for rotating the shaft about its longitudinal axis, thereby to rotate the wheel/tire assembly. A control circuit is also provided for controlling the application of power to the motor. The wheel balancer also includes an assembly for measuring runout of the rim of the wheel/tire assembly, the control circuit being responsive to a rim runout measurement signal to apply power to the motor such that the wheel/tire assembly rotates at a slow, controlled speed during measurement of the rim runout.

Abstract: A wheel balancer is provided that includes a shaft adapted for receiving a wheel/tire assembly, the shaft having a longitudinal axis and being rotatable about the axis so as to rotate a wheel/tire assembly removably mounted thereon. The wheel balancer also includes a rotation sensor for measuring the rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis, vibration sensor operatively connected to the shaft for measuring vibrations resulting from imbalance in the wheel/tire assembly and a motor operatively connected the shaft for rotating the shaft about its longitudinal axis, thereby rotating the wheel/tire assembly. A control circuit for controlling the application of power to the motor is also included. The control circuit controls the application of power to the motor to rotate the wheel/tire assembly and to actively hold the wheel/tire assembly at desired positions.

Abstract: A wheel balancer is provided that includes a shaft adapted for receiving a wheel/tire assembly, the shaft having a longitudinal axis and being rotatable about the axis so as to rotate a wheel/tire assembly removably mounted thereon, a rotation sensor for measuring rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis and a vibration sensor operatively connected to the shaft for measuring vibrations resulting from imbalance in the wheel/tire assembly. A motor operatively connected to the shaft for rotating the shaft about its longitudinal axis to rotate the wheel/tire assembly is also included. The wheel balancer further includes a control circuit for controlling the application of current to the motor to rotate the wheel/tire assembly at a plurality of sustainable speeds. The control circuit may also be adapted for determining from vibrations measured by the vibration sensor at least one weight placement position on the wheel/tire assembly to correct the vibrations.

Abstract: A tire defect detection system including a support structure for receiving a tire; an actuator disposed proximate the tire for impacting the tire; a microphone disposed proximate the actuator for receiving a sound wave generated when the actuator impacts the tire; and a computer responsive to the microphone, the computer programmed to calculate a number of discriminator quantities from the resulting sound wave and to compare the calculated discriminator quantities with stored discriminator quantities indicative of a defect to determine whether a defect is present in the tire.

Abstract: A system consisting of an accelerometer sensor attached to a centrifuge enclosure for sensing vibrations and outputting a signal in the form of a sine wave with an amplitude and frequency that is passed through a pre-amp to convert it to a voltage signal, a low pass filter for removing extraneous noise, an A/D converter and a processor and algorithm for operating on the signal, whereby the algorithm interprets the amplitude and frequency associated with the signal and once an amplitude threshold has been exceeded the algorithm begins to count cycles during a predetermined time period and if a given number of complete cycles exceeds the frequency threshold during the predetermined time period, the system shuts down the centrifuge.

Abstract: A wheel balancer has a shaft for receiving a wheel/tire assembly, a rotation sensor assembly for measuring rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis, a motor operatively connected to the shaft for rotating said shaft about its longitudinal axis, thereby to rotate the wheel/tire assembly, a vibration sensor assembly for measuring vibration of the wheel/tire assembly as the wheel/tire assembly is rotated, and a load roller for applying a generally radial force to the wheel/tire assembly during rotation of said wheel/tire assembly. Movement of the load roller is measured to determine loaded radial runout of the wheel/tire assembly while the force is applied thereto and a a tire stiffness value for the wheel/tire assembly is provided.

Abstract: An electronic wheel balancer performs imbalance measurements at variable speeds for different size wheels. The inertia of a wheel mounted on the balancer is determined by measuring the acceleration time of the wheel from a first speed to a second higher speed and the operating speed is adjusted accordingly. An improved operator interface pod incorporates correction plane indicators/selection buttons adjacent the weight display. Auxiliary weight storage is also provided.

Abstract: A wheel balancer has an improved drive circuit and improved safety features. The drive circuit includes an H-bridge configuration, preferably utilizing MOSFET or IGBT transistors. The safety features include an electrical brake which operates upon removal of power to safely and reliably stop the rotation of the wheel/tire assembly being balanced. A hardware safety interlock is provided to limit rpm and/or travel of the wheel/tire assembly based upon preset criteria. A novel display system is included for displaying axial, radial, and/or loaded runout of the wheel/tire assembly.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for the uniformity and/or the dynamic-balance of a tire is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a supporting member which is rotated with supporting a tested tire, a holding member which holds said supporting member with allowing to vibrate during rotation thereof and a regulating system which prevents the vibration of the supporting member during rotation thereof. The vibration of the supporting member is prevented by the regulating system for a uniformity measurement while it is allowed during a dynamic-balance measurement.

Abstract: A wheel balancing device. The device is provided with a pulley rotated by a rotation of a motor through a belt. The device includes a main shaft adapted to rotate with said pulley, a first bearing housing mounted around the main shaft to guide the main shaft, a second bearing housing rotatably supporting the main shaft, a pulse generator mounted near the second bearing housing and a plurality of slots for generating a pulse. A pulse detector is mounted near the pulse generator to detect the pulse signal from the pulse generator. A wheel support on which a wheel is closely supported thereon includes a hollow space. The device includes a deviation stop for preventing the wheel from deviating from the wheel support.

Abstract: A wheel balancing system for the reduction of vehicle wheel and pneumatic tire assembly vibrations with the capacity to determine and selectively adjust the pneumatic tire's pressure simultaneously with wheel balancing. The balancing system includes a drive for rotating the tire and wheel assembly; a sensing system for the selective determination of vibration causation and correction information; a pneumatic system for the adjustment of the pneumatic tire's pressure; a control system for instituting the determined vibration corrections and pressure adjustments; as well as a communication system for receiving, transmitting and presenting data or instructions. The sensing system is responsive to the wheel balancing systems operational status, the wheel and tire assembly's operational status, wireless or network communications and input from the user. The control system includes automatic provisions for safety, convenience, time efficiency, balancing and pressure adjustment.

Abstract: A measuring method and a measuring 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.

Abstract: An unbalance mass at the front side of a single wheel unit, an unbalance mass at the reverse side of the single wheel unit, a phase difference between the unbalance mass at the front side and the unbalance mass at the reverse side of the single wheel unit, a primary component amplitude of radial run-out of the single wheel unit, a phase angle of the primary component of the radial run-out of the single wheel unit, a contribution coefficient in which the radial run-out of the single wheel unit is transmitted to an RFV, an unbalance mass at the front side of a single tire unit, an unbalance mass at the reverse side of the single tire unit, a phase difference between the unbalance mass at the front side and the unbalance mass at the reverse side of the single tire unit, an RFV primary component amplitude of the single tire unit, and a phase angle of the RFV primary component of the single tire unit are measured and the measured values are input.

Abstract: A wheel balancer is provided that includes a shaft adapted for receiving a wheel/tire assembly, the shaft having a longitudinal axis and being rotatable about the axis so as to rotate a wheel/tire assembly removably mounted thereon, a rotation sensor for measuring rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis and a vibration sensor operatively connected to the shaft for measuring vibrations resulting from imbalance in the wheel/tire assembly. A motor operatively connected to the shaft for rotating the shaft about its longitudinal axis to rotate the wheel/tire assembly is also included. The wheel balancer further includes a control circuit for controlling the application of current to the motor to rotate the wheel/tire assembly at a plurality of sustainable speeds. The control circuit may also be adapted for determining from vibrations measured by the vibration sensor at least one weight placement position on the wheel/tire assembly to correct the vibrations.

Abstract: An apparatus for the measurement of centrifugal forces generated by a rotary member such as a vehicle wheel which is out of balance, comprises a rotary member mounting for supporting the rotary member with respect to an apparatus frame structure. The rotary member and the rotary member mounting form a sub-critical oscillating system in measurement of the rotary member which rotates for a measuring procedure. The apparatus further includes a measurement sensor which is in the form of a force pickup and whose direction of application of force extends approximately tangentially to a circle through the location of the application of force at the measurement sensor, around a virtual mounting location.

Abstract: A wheel balancer is provided that includes a shaft adapted for receiving a wheel/tire assembly, the shaft having a longitudinal axis and being rotatable about the axis so as to rotate a wheel/tire assembly removably mounted thereon, a rotation sensor for measuring rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis, a vibration sensor operatively connected to the shaft for measuring vibrations resulting from imbalance in the wheel/tire assembly and a motor operatively connected to the shaft for rotating the shaft about its longitudinal axis, thereby to rotate the wheel/tire assembly. A control circuit is also provided for controlling the application of power to the motor. The wheel balancer also includes an assembly for measuring runout of the rim of the wheel/tire assembly, the control circuit being responsive to a rim runout measurement signal to apply power to the motor such that the wheel/tire assembly rotates at a slow, controlled speed during measurement of the rim runout.

Abstract: A wheel balancer and method of mounting a wheel/tire assembly on a wheel balancer are provided. The wheel balancer includes a shaft adapted for receiving a wheel/tire assembly, the shaft having a longitudinal axis and being rotatable about the axis so as to rotate a wheel/tire assembly removably mounted thereon, a rotation sensor for measuring rotation of the shaft about its axis, a vibration sensor operatively connected to the shaft for measuring vibrations from imbalance in the wheel/tire assembly and a motor operatively connected to the shaft for rotating the shaft about its longitudinal axis, thereby rotating the wheel/tire assembly. A control circuit and manual input are also included. The control circuit controls the application of power to the motor.

Abstract: A wheel balancer is provided that includes a shaft adapted for receiving a wheel/tire assembly, the shaft having a longitudinal axis and being rotatable about the axis so as to rotate a wheel/tire assembly removably mounted thereon. The wheel balancer also includes a rotation sensor for measuring the rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis, vibration sensor operatively connected to the shaft for measuring vibrations resulting from imbalance in the wheel/tire assembly and a motor operatively connected the shaft for rotating the shaft about its longitudinal axis, thereby rotating the wheel/tire assembly. A control circuit for controlling the application of power to the motor is also included. The control circuit controls the application of power to the motor to rotate the wheel/tire assembly and to actively hold the wheel/tire assembly at desired positions.

Abstract: In the case of a method for balancing rotors, more particularly tool holders of machine tools, the imbalance of the rotor is ascertained in a computer, in terms of size and direction, of a balancing machine and is compensated by spreading at least two balancing elements with a predetermined imbalance into suitable positions of adjustment. Firstly from the measured imbalance of the rotor and the size of the imbalance of the balancing elements the position of adjustment of the balancing elements is determined and then the rotor of the balancing machine is turned until a balanced position is reached, at which the position of adjustment of the one balancing element is at a predetermined position in relation to the balancing machine. When the rotor is located in the balanced position, a visible marking is projected onto the balancing element. The balancing element is then set in its position of adjustment by bringing a mark provided on the balancing element into alignment with the visible marking.

Abstract: A wheel balancer (1) for balancing an alloy wheel (2) comprises a support housing (30) and a main shaft (36) onto which the wheel (2) is mounted. A sub-housing (35) rotatably carries the main shaft (36), imbalance forces in the main shaft (36) and their respective directions are monitored for determining the magnitude and angular positions of balance weights required for correcting imbalances in the wheel (2) in selected balancing planes (17) and (18). A telescoping extendible sensor arm (54) is pivotally mounted about a vertical pivot axis on the support housing (30) for detecting balance weight receiving locations on the inner surface (10) of a wheel hub (4) of the wheel (2) at the selected desired balancing planes (17) and (18).

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 measuring apparatus for the uniformity and the dynamic-balance of a tire is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a supporting member which is rotated with supporting a tested tire, a holding member which holds said supporting member with allowing to vibrate during rotation thereof and a regulating system which prevents the vibration of the supporting member during rotation thereof. The vibration of the supporting member is prevented by the regulating system for a uniformity measurement while it is allowed during a dynamic-balance measurement.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for balancing a wheel comprising a rim and a tire. This device comprises a unit for measuring the wheel imbalance and a unit for scanning the rim dimensions. The scanner unit and the imbalance-measuring unit are connected to a computer which determines a rim contour from the scanner unit output signals and then the optimum positions and dimensions for the balance weights from the contour determined in conjunction with values supplied by the imbalance-measuring unit.

Abstract: A motor is provided in which zero-point positioning of the stator and rotor in the axial direction is simple. The operation of replacing the rotor or stator can be done easily. A motor is provided in which zero-point positioning of the stator and rotor in the axial direction is simple and the detection precision can be improved. In a canned motor, a bearing wear monitoring device monitors the wear of the bearings that supports the rotor. The wear of the bearings is determined by measuring the displacement of the rotor based on the output signal of detection coils that are provided in embedding core units on both axial ends of the stator. The center of the embedding core unit at one axial end of the stator and the end face of one axial end of the stator are positioned to coincide with one another. The other axial end of the rotor is made to protrude outside the embedding core unit of the other axial end of the stator by a prescribed dimension.

Abstract: A spindle motor rotational unbalance correction mechanism has a stand onto which the magnetic disk apparatus is placed, a mounting device for fixing the magnetic disk apparatus to the stand, and a base plate onto which the stand is placed, with an intervening resilient material therebetween. An acceleration sensor detects the vibration of the magnetic disk apparatus when it is operated. A vibrator applies a mechanical shock to the magnetic disk apparatus. A control circuit calculates from a detection signal from the acceleration sensor any shift in position of the magnetic recording medium mounted on the magnetic disk apparatus and controls the supply of electrical driving power to the vibrator in order to correct for the position shift of the magnetic recording medium, thereby providing a high-performance magnetic disk apparatus in which the position shift of the magnetic disk is corrected.

Abstract: In a balancing apparatus, for determining the compensation position and the magnitude of a compensation weight to be attached to the automotive wheel on the basis of the measuring values obtained during the balancing process, the respective radius and the respective compensation plane for the compensation position at the automotive wheel are sensed via a sensor arm, an electronic device determines the magnitude of the compensation weight to be attached to the automotive wheel. The sensor arm is supported extendably and pivotally. Two string assemblies are attached to the sensor arm. The strings of the sensor arm are mechanically lockable at one or the other compensation position, respectively. One of the string assemblies on the sensor arm comprises an extendable spring and a stop which runs through a locking block attached to the housing of the balancing apparatus and and also comprises, at the other end an extendable spring.

Abstract: A method for detecting an anomaly, such as a crack, in a rotor includes measuring the rotational speed and vibration of the rotor. A vibration signal synchronous with the frequency of rotation is filtered from the vibration measurement. A background vibration vector is then subtracted from the synchronous vibration signal to produce a vibration difference signal. The phase and amplitude of the vibration difference signal are measured and evaluated to determine whether an anomaly has developed. An apparatus for performing this method includes vibration and speed sensors coupled to a filter for extracting a signal from the vibration measurement having a frequency synchronous with the rotation of the rotor. A processor is coupled to the filter and the speed sensor and is programmed to perform the processing steps, described above.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically correcting the dynamic imbalance of a disc pack of a disc drive, the disc pack conveyed to a first selected position in a balance correction assembly station where a rotary positioner lifts and rotates the disc pack to a reference position for the attachment of weighted shims to the disc pack. A shim selector assembly delivers a selected shim, and an end effector transfers the selected shim to a shim attachment assembly. The shim attachment assembly rotates and spreads open the shim so that the disc pack can be receivingly engaged thereby, and the shim attachment assembly releases the selected shim to lockingly engage the disc pack. A flipping assembly reverses the disc pack for placement of another selected shim to the other end of the disc pack, as required.

Abstract: The cycle times of an automatic single station residual unbalance measuring arrangement for a tire-wheel assembly are improved by the application of servo control to the vertical displacement drive of an elevator. Information relating to a particular tire-wheel type is obtained by direct measurement and/or correlation with data associated with predetermined tire-wheel types. A computer controls the operation of a servo motor that controls the vertical displacement of the tire-wheel assembly onto and off of a precision spindle and chuck on which the residual unbalance measurement is performed. The arrangement affords rapid acceleration onto and off of the precision spindle and chuck, but a gentle engagement between the wheel-tire assembly and the precision chuck to avoid tire bounce and damage to the precision balancer tooling.

Abstract: A processing arrangement for a brake element for a vehicle employs a rotational support, such as a precision collet arrangement, for supporting the brake element rotatably about a fixed axis of rotation. The brake element and the spindle are rotated by a drive arrangement that causes the brake element to rotate about the axis of rotation while a rotary encoder that is coupled to the drive arrangement produces a rotation data signal containing rotational information responsive to the rotation of the brake element. Residual unbalances are measured by the production of an unbalance data signal that is responsive to forces that are themselves responsive to a residual unbalance of the brake element. In addition, a surface dimension detector produces a surface dimension data electrical signal that is responsive to a dimensional characteristic of a surface of the brake element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for machining workpieces, for example a milling machine or a lathe, including imbalance sensors (60) for determining the imbalance of a rotary element, i.e. the cutter head (40) or of the workpiece (10) to be worked on. The advancement of the workpiece (10) relative to the tool (40) is so corrected in dependence on signals of the imbalance sensors (60) that a possible imbalance deflection of the tool (40) can be compensated. Correspondingly, the tool feed can be so controlled in a lathe in dependence on the rotation angle position and the determined imbalance that balancing can be carried out during or directly after treatment of an imbalance.

Abstract: The invention relates to an unbalance detector, such as for a centrifuge. The invention preferably comprises a pressure-sensitive static sensor, preferably in the form of a piezoelectric cable, which preferably is mounted on a stationary casing part and delivers an imbalance signal when it comes in mechanical contact with the rotor which has been deflected because of an imbalance. As an alternative, the sensor can also be mounted on the rotor and deliver the unbalance signal on coming in mechanical contact with the stationary casing part. According to another embodiment of the invention, the analysis stage for the unbalance signal has a test stage or simulation stage for testing the functionality of the unbalance detector.

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: A method for single-knob operation of a balancing machine is characterized by a program-controlled run of the balancing process which is controllable in steps via a single-knob control element. In this method, operating the single-knob control element at predetermined steps of the program triggers functions which depend on the current status of the program-controlled run. A single-knob control element is provided for carrying out the method.