With Counterbalancing Means Patents (Class 73/468)
  • Patent number: 6789422
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: United States Enrichment Corporation
    Inventor: Talmadge D. Ward, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6778353
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for balancing a disk are described. A balance ring may be a circular band for placement along the inner diameter of a disk. On the outer diameter of the balance ring, one or more clamp structures may extend outward to attach the balance ring to the inner diameter of a disk. The inner diameter of the balance ring may have a number of protuberances that, when trimmed, establish a new rotational center of the disk/balance ring coincident with the mass center. The disk and balancing ring may be mounted on a disk balancing system to determine a mass center and trim the protuberances, accordingly, to establish adjust the rotational center of the disk/balance ring to be coincident with the mass center. The protuberances may be trimmed using, for example, laser energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Komag, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce M. Harper
  • Publication number: 20040134276
    Abstract: A method of balancing a rotary device (12, 14) for balanced rotational operation when connected to a drive shaft (24) by a flexible coupling (26,28). The method comprises the steps of connecting a drive shaft simulator (32,34) to a rotary device (12, 14) and, rotating the said device (12, 14) to simulate drive shaft unbalance due to misalignment of the rotary device (12, 14) and the drive shaft (24) being simulated when the drive shaft (24) and rotary device (12, 14) are connected together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: William E. Robbins
  • Patent number: 6748806
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company LLC
    Inventor: Matthew A. Halsmer
  • Patent number: 6694812
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Schenck Rotec Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Loetzner, C. Peter Hemingray, Charles Maas
  • Patent number: 6678114
    Abstract: A method for minimizing unbalance in the disc pack of a disc drive where the unbalance of the spindle motor is quantified and incorporated into the biasing assembly of the disc pack. In the assembly process, the discs are biased in a manner such that the unbalance of the spindle motor is considered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Niroot Jicrapipalanakul, Victor Chi Siang Choo, Poh Lye Lim, Michael Joo Chiang Toh, Kwee Teck Say, Beng Wee Quak, Chee Suan Low
  • Patent number: 6665625
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc
    Inventor: Kevin J. Stalsberg
  • Publication number: 20030221487
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Frank Silvagi, Jeffrey Peters, Robert Shiloff
  • Patent number: 6622105
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Edward Determan
  • Patent number: 6616089
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for dispensing an 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: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Peter L. Gross, Todd L. Eck
  • Patent number: 6595053
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventor: Paul Daniel Parker
  • Patent number: 6590960
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans Juergen Kroener, Hans-Juergen Mueller
  • Publication number: 20030115958
    Abstract: A method of measuring unbalances of a rotor is described and is based on:
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: REDAT S.p.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Gregoretti, Leonardo Reyneri
  • Patent number: 6550328
    Abstract: Method for balancing a rotary object, such as a disc drive disc pack. A balance correction member is provided as a C-shaped ring formed from a length of wire of nominally uniform cross-sectional area. The member has a substantially elliptical shape in an uncompressed state. During installation, the amount of imbalance in the disc pack is measured and a member with an appropriate length is selected and compressed to a substantially circular shape. The compressed member is then placed adjacent the disc pack so that the member expands to compressingly engage an annular recess in the disc pack. The member is preferably installed using an automated dynamic balance correction station as part of a high volume disc drive manufacturing environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: JpMorgan Chase Bank
    Inventors: Stephen G. Horning, Thomas H. Chuang, Tommy J. Metzner, Arnold G. Slezak
  • Patent number: 6539852
    Abstract: A device for attaching a compensation weight (13) with an adhesive layer (17) to an attachment surface (18) of a vehicle wheel (19) for purposes of unbalance compensation. The device has holding structure with two holding parts to secure a compensation weight and with a pressing element (4) pressed onto a rear surface (16) of the compensation weight (13). A guide with which the holding structure may be guided to an unbalance compensation site of the attachment surface (18) and pressed thereto. The pressing element (4) has a pressing surface (8) deformable as a function of the pressing force so that rear surface (16) of the compensation weight lies on the pressing surface (8). The pressing surface (8) in the unstressed basic position of the pressing element (4) has a shape which transfers the pressing force to the middle section of the compensation weight (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Schenck Rotec GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Ertl
  • Publication number: 20030041666
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Paul Daniel Parker
  • Publication number: 20020178812
    Abstract: The method is used for drying solid insulation for an electrical appliance by means of the condensation heat emitted from the vapor of a solvent. When the solvent vapor condenses on the solid insulation, a vapor mixture is formed which contains solvent and water. This vapor mixture is supplied at a controlled flow rate from an evacuated autoclave to a condenser which is arranged outside the autoclave, and is condensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Paul Gmeiner, Steen Frydenlund Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20020092351
    Abstract: Apparatus for balancing a rotary object, such as a disc drive disc pack. A balance correction member is provided as a C-shaped ring formed from a length of wire of nominally uniform cross-sectional area. The member has a substantially elliptical shape in an uncompressed state. During installation, the amount of imbalance in the disc pack is measured and a member with an appropriate length is selected and compressed to a substantially circular shape. The compressed member is then placed adjacent the disc pack so that the member expands to compressingly engage an annular recess in the disc pack. The member is preferably installed using an automated dynamic balance correction station as part of a high volume disc drive manufacturing environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Stephen G. Horning, Thomas H. Chuang, Tommy J. Metzner, Arnold G. Slezak
  • Patent number: 6412345
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas R. Murray, Richard C. Boettner, Philip M. Wiggin
  • Patent number: 6291920
    Abstract: A counter weight system for an electric motor having a rotor with an end ring, the end ring having an outer surface, and at least one deformable lug extending from and a plurality of projections extending radially across the outer surface. The counter weight system includes a rotor counter weight having an inner surface abutting the end ring end surface; an outer surface opposite the inner surface; at least one bore through the rotor counter weight and receiving a lug, the lug being deformed to axially fix the rotor counter weight; a plurality of recesses in the inner surface, each recess receiving an end ring projection so as to prevent rotational movement of the rotor counter weight with respect to the end ring; and a plurality of rotor counter weight projections extending radially across the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph E. Miller, David W. Blue
  • Patent number: 6101876
    Abstract: A method of centering a disk pack on a base rotatably supporting the disk pack includes performing a series a steps while the disk pack is rotating. A reference timing signal is generated. A first imbalance in the rotating disk pack is detected, and a first imbalance signal is produced. The first imbalance signal is correlated with the reference timing signal to produce a first correlation value, which indicates a location of the first imbalance relative to the reference timing signal. Based upon the first correlation value, a first impact is applied to the base, causing the base to shift relative to the disk pack. As a result of the first impact, the first imbalance moves to a second imbalance. The second imbalance is detected, and a second imbalance signal is produced. The second imbalance signal is correlated with the reference timing signal to produce a second correlation value, which indicates a location of the second imbalance relative to the reference timing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Western Digital Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Everett Brooks, Lance Allen Gabrielson
  • Patent number: 5992232
    Abstract: An automatic dynamic balance adjusting apparatus is provided that adjusts the dynamic balance of a rotating body on a workpiece. The dynamic balance adjusting apparatus includes a control unit, a turntable for carrying the workpiece along a predetermined path, and a plurality of stations, arranged along the path, at which processes are performed on the workpiece. The stations include a measurement station at which the dynamic balance of the rotating body is determined, a dispenser station at which the application of a balance-weight agent is performed to adjust the dynamic balance of the rotating body, and an inspection station at which the dynamic balance of the rotating body is checked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noboru Saitoh
  • Patent number: 5959204
    Abstract: A motor vehicle wheel balancing machine holds a motor vehicle wheel by clamping it on a balancing machine measuring spindle. After an operation to measure the unbalance of the the wheel has been preformed, a balancing weight is attached to the wheel using a sensor, and the measuring spindle is stopped with a holding brake which is activated when the sensor is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Hofmann Werkstatt-Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Rothamel, Lorenz Lenhardt
  • Patent number: 5959205
    Abstract: A weight tape for modifying unbalance of a tire wheel, which is used by cutting precisely into a length having desired weight. The weight tape comprises a tape-like base portion having a relatively thin thickness and a constant width and suitably made of a high specific gravity material such as lead, and a heat resistant adhesive portion on the rear surface of the base portion, wherein a basic scale and a subsidiary scale indicating a certain weight are marked on the base portion. The tape may be provided in a shape of an oblong object, or a wound object wherein a separable material is attached on the adhesive portion. The weight tape is used in a shape of a weight piece which is cut from the weight tape to have a desired weight by using the basic scale and the subsidiary scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Kenjirou Yamaya, Yutaka Naruse
  • Patent number: 5767403
    Abstract: A driveline assembly and method for balancing the driveline. The driveline includes a drive shaft assembled to a rear axle having a flange therebetween. The driveline is measured to determine an imbalance and a weight is added to the flange to balance the driveline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Gary Edward Kopp, Kenneth J. Oswandel, Larry LaBell, Chris Peter Nicholas, Gary Keith Parker
  • Patent number: 5757662
    Abstract: An electromagnetically actuate machine balancer including a plurality of peripherally placed magnetic circuits and a power driver which selectively interrupts the magnetic flux through the circuits, thereby moving unbalanced rotors in a desired manner to compensate for machine unbalance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Balance Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen William Dyer, Jack Kerlin, Brian Kent Hackett
  • Patent number: 5688160
    Abstract: An apparatus for balancing a rotating body, in particular the grinding wheel of a grinding machine, comprises an assembly secured to the grinding wheel and rotating with it, with masses having an adjustable arrangement, electrical motors for controlling adjusting movements of the masses, and electrical circuits with a microprocessor unit. A transceiver terminal between a control unit and the rotating assembly provides a first contactless transmission channel for inductively coupling a fixed power source to the rotating parts, and a second contactless transmission channel for transmitting information in both directions. The second transmission channel may comprise optoelectronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Marposs Societa' Per Azioni
    Inventors: Mario Pozzetti, Domenico Malpezzi
  • Patent number: 5672824
    Abstract: An asymmetrical balance device includes nine positions formed thereto, from position 1 to position 9, each of the positions being a center of gravity of a part disposed thereto, the center of gravity having a value the same as the numeral designating the position, the eight positions, except position 5, being arranged to form a square with the position 5 located at a center of the square, the square including an upper horizontal side, a lower horizontal side, a right vertical side and a left vertical side, the right vertical side respectively intersecting with the upper horizontal side and the lower horizontal side at position 2 and position 6, the left vertical side respectively intersecting with the upper horizontal side and the lower horizontal side at position 4 and position 8, the upper horizontal side and the lower horizontal side respectively having position 9 and position 1 located at a middle point thereof, the right vertical side and the left vertical side respectively having position 7 and position
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Chao-chang Chiu-Wei
  • Patent number: 5557043
    Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a balancing weight having an adhesive layer thereon to a vehicle wheel at a balancing position comprises a holder having at least first and second holding portions for holding a balancing weight under a spring force. The holder is guided to a balancing position on the wheel by a guide so that an edge of the adhesive-bearing surface of the balancing weight is applied to or contacts the wheel at the desired balancing position. Pressure is then directed towards the balancing position and applied to the balancing weight causing the balancing weight to be released from the holder and pivoted about the edge that bears against the wheel at the balancing position so that the whole adhesive layer is pressed against the wheel surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Hofmann Werkstatt-Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Drechsler
  • Patent number: 5505083
    Abstract: The invention provides a workpiece balancing and correction apparatus having separate modular stations. A measurement station provides balance measurement and correction auditing functions. A correction station provides material weight correction in one or two planes. A transfer module is designed to transport workpieces between the measurement module and the correction module and maintain the cycle speed of operation of the overall machine in keeping with constant activity at the slowest module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Hines Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon E. Hines, Vernon J. Burzan, Raymond A. Massaccesi
  • Patent number: 5493763
    Abstract: A lathe capable of performing both usual machining and balance correction machining of a workpiece. In a combined machining lathe having a drilling and/or milling machine, vibration sensor(s) are attached to a headstock and/or a tailstock and a sensor for detecting a rotation angle of a main spindle is provided. After the usual machining, the workpiece is rotated at a predetermined rotating speed on the same lathe and an amount of imbalance and phase are calculated by a imbalance arithmetic unit. An NC machining program for balancing the workpiece is automatically produced by a balance correction machining program producer within a numerical controller and balance correction machining of the workpiece is carried out using a rotary tool such as a drill or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventors: Hideharu Yamanaka, Tomoki Shinozaki
  • Patent number: 5467653
    Abstract: An apparatus for unbalanced compensation of a grinding wheel which is rotatable about an axis of rotation, with compensating weights which are guided rotatably about the axis of rotation of the grinding wheel with symmetrical mass distribution relative to a central plane of the grinding wheel which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation. A positioning mechanism is provided for different angular positionings of the compensating weights. The compensating weights are mounted for rotation through 360.degree. about the axis of rotation at different radii, the product of the mass of each compensating weight and its associated radius being equal to the product of the mass of each other compensating weight and its associated radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Hofmann Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Eugen Lulay
  • Patent number: 5457992
    Abstract: The invention relates to transmission devices comprising at least one joint and/or at least one sliding connection and more particularly concerns taking up clearances and providing a dynamic balancing of such devices. The invention comprises mainly intentionally sufficiently unbalancing an inner or "floating" part of the device to exceed the random imbalance resulting from radial clearances existing in the joints (20) or sliding connections. The subsequent balancing of the whole of the transmission device is in this way rendered really effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: GKN Glaenzer Spicer
    Inventor: Pierre Guimbretiere
  • Patent number: 5419192
    Abstract: An apparatus for dynamically balancing a combined assembly of a drive shaft and axle input shaft for use in a vehicle drive train system. The apparatus includes a drive head adapted to be connected to one end of the drive shaft and a support head for supporting the axle. The support head includes a cradle plate extending upwardly from a base plate mounted on the apparatus. The cradle plate has an arcuate recess formed in the upper surface thereof which is adapted to receive and support a housing of the axle. A pair of support arms are also secured to the base plate, extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom. The support arms are adapted to be secured outwardly extending portions of the housing of the axle. The apparatus further includes first and second intermediate heads which are adapted to engage and support other portions of the drive train system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Maxwell, James T. Reynolds, Gary L. Smith, Leon W. Valencic
  • Patent number: 5408875
    Abstract: A balancing method for balancing a flexible rotor is disclosed. First, the rotor is rotated and vibration of the rotor is measured to determine resonance speeds. Vibration exciting forces of frequencies synchronized with the rotor rotation in two orthogonal directions are imparted to the rotor or rotor support bearings while rotating the rotor at a speed near the respective resonance speeds. The amplitude and the phase of the vibration exciting force which reduces the resonance vibration of the rotor are then determined. A correction weight on the basis of the amplitude and the phase of the vibration exciting force is then determined. Balancing work on the rotor such as grinding of the rotor or addition of a mass to the rotor in accordance with the correction weight is then carried out, followed by a rotor rotation conducted for the purpose of confirming the effect of the balancing work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Osami Matsushita, Naohiko Takahashi, Mitsuho Yoneyama, Yasuo Fukushima, Minoru Hiroshima, Naohumi Sakanashi, Teturo Ohashi
  • Patent number: 5386163
    Abstract: A counterweighted rotor for use in a compressor assembly, the counterweighted rotor including a core assembly, an end ring defining a first end of the rotor, an end ring defining a second end of the rotor, each end ring having a plurality of coining lugs integrally cast thereto, the coining lugs sized for securing weights to the rotor, a plurality of counterweights for balancing the rotor, each of the counterweights including a body formed from powdered metal, the body having an aperture on its radial edge for engaging a coining lug, and a lip integrally formed on the counterweight porprotioned for contour fitting with the inside diameter of the rotor end ring. A method of forming counterbalanced rotor employs forming weights from powdered metal, the counterweights attaching to the rotor by coining over a coining lug of the rotor end ring through an aperature in the counterweight body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Raymond D. Heilman
  • Patent number: 5367909
    Abstract: A test weight for use with a counterbalanced motor for a compressor assembly, for example, including a body having an opening formed in it and sized to engage the outer diameter of an external eccentrically positioned ball bearing of the counterbalanced motor. A plurality of cantilevered spring fingers are integrally formed with the body along the opening in the test weight for spring gripping the external ball bearing. A plurality of centering pads formed on the fingers hold the center of mass of the test weight close to the center of mass of the ball bearing. In the preferred embodiment, stop tabs project from the centering pads to provide a positive stop upon contact with the outer race of the ball bearing. A method of testing a motor employs the test weight which is attached to the ball bearing to reproduce the application load requirements for the motor, and permits testing of the motor independently of the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Raymond D. Heilman, Butch LaRue
  • Patent number: 5365786
    Abstract: Balancing a wheel and tire assembly includes sensing imbalance of a wheel and tire assembly and determining therefrom the magnitude and placement of at least one correction weight to correct the imbalance. The magnitude of the correction weight is compensated to correct for curvature of actual correction weights. The compensated magnitude is displayed to the user. If the weight amount or placement spot is inconvenient for the user, the user can initiate a split weight procedure which determines a pair of weight magnitudes and weight placements which are vectorially equivalent to the corresponding single correction weight in terms of correcting imbalance. The pair of weight magnitudes are reverse compensated for curvature to calculate the effective weights thereof and the weight placements are calculated based upon the effective weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventor: Michael W. Douglas
  • Patent number: 5355729
    Abstract: Wheel balancer design informs the user to apply correction weight(s) on one or two planes of the wheel tire assembly. A comprehensive combination of a "split weight" key and display usage allows the user to split a singular weight into a variety of choices involving two (or more) weights. The two weights are applied at the proper angular displacements so as to provide perfect imbalance correction using standard size incremental weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventor: Michael W. Douglas
  • Patent number: 5343408
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for automatic dynamic balancing operations on machine lines so as to compensate unbalance in a rotor. Vibration signals of the rotor obtained by a transducer and revolution signals generated by a revolution detector in reaction to the rotor during rotation are fed into a band pass filter and amplifier. The processed signals are then converted into digital signals by means of a digital dynamic balancing close-loop controller. The value and location of unbalance present in the rotor are calculated by a calculating unit. Based on the unbalance value and the speed of revolution of the rotor, whether a suitable amount of fluid is needed to be injected into compensation chambers in the rotor, which is coaxial with the rotor, to eliminate the unbalance of the rotor can be determined. This balancing operation is repeated automatically until the unbalance value is less than a predetermined tolerance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chan-Ming Chen, Jia-Ruey Wu, Chi-Maw Shieh, Wen-Pin Chang
  • Patent number: 5333500
    Abstract: A torque converter has an end cover or input shell which is stamped from a sheet metal plate and has a stiffening fluid portion and an outer flow formed annular rim. The impeller, turbine and stator are assembled along with a torque converter clutch after which the rim portion of the end cover is welded to the impeller. The impeller and the cover have a flange or radially extending portion that is selectively trimmed to control the dynamic balance of the assembly. The turbine member is cast with the outer core and blade portions integral and an inner core member is welded thereto. This is completed prior to assembly within the torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory F. O'Daniel
  • Patent number: 5267140
    Abstract: A dynamic balance correcting apparatus comprising a learning unit and a balance confirmation unit for remeasuring the state of balance of a rotatable member which has been subjected to correction of its dynamic balance and for determining whether or not the rotatable member has been brought into a given balanced state. The results of the determinations by the balance confirmation unit are sequentially input to the learning unit. Then, the learning unit statistically calculates the ratio of success in the corrected state of dynamic balance of the rotatable member and automatically updates operational conditions of the apparatus in such a manner as to enable the ratio of success to reach the maximum value. It is therefore possible to correct dynamic unbalance of rotatable members without the need of experience and skill on the part of an operator, even when the ratio of success is reduced owing to time-dependent variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Asmo Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Horomitu Ibe
  • Patent number: 5245917
    Abstract: A skewer assembly (12) that incorporates a counterbalancing device (42) for use with a barbecue grill (10) or other rotisserie assembly includes a generally rectangular shaft (20) that has a handle (22) releasably secured to one end thereof through a releasable end piece (24). The counterbalancing device (42, 42a) has a counterweight (15, 62) on one free end thereof and an elongated slot (48, 60) intermediate opposite ends. A threaded stud (32) forming part of and extending outwardly from the main body (30) of the end piece (24) is threaded through the elongated slot (48,60) of the counterbalancing device (42,42a) and into a threaded opening (34a) extending inwardly into the shaft (20) to frictionally grip the counterbalancing device (42,42a) between an abutment (40) on the handle (22) and an abutment (36) on the end piece (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Weber-Stephen Products, Co.
    Inventors: Erich J. Schlosser, J. Michael Alden
  • Patent number: 5240358
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for balancing tools 16 is disclosed which may uniquely characterize a needed balance for each of the individual tools 16 and which may then store the needed balance conditions so as to use the balancing data upon every use of the individual tool 16. This balance is achieved, in one embodiment, by the movement of certain balancing objects 28 from a balance containment member 22 to cavities 26 within a balance reception member 24. Should the original balance condition falter, the apparatus and methodology of this invention allow the balance conditions to be updated, dynamically, and to be stored for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Balance Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Brian K. Hackett, Wayne L. Winzenz, Jack H. Kerlin
  • Patent number: 5201116
    Abstract: A process for measuring an unbalance of a torque converter, in which an outer member and an inner member of the torque converter are assembled, and oil is filled into the outer member to establish a condition similar to an actual service state of the torque converter. In this condition, the two members are rotated in unison. If the rotational speed of the torque converter reaches a measuring rotational speed, a plurality of measurements are conducted with the phase of the outer and inner members being varied between each measurement through a predetermined angle, thereby correctly detecting only an unbalance due to the outer member, with an unbalance due to the inner member being canceled from the results of the measurements. Cutting a balance weight having a weight sufficient to correct the detected unbalance from a metal tape and attached said cut balance weight to an outer periphery of the outer member of the torque converter at a given position by spot-welding or adhesive-bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tokio Kikuchi, Yasuharu Katsuno, Zenichiro Kumita, Satoru Ichihashi, Mitsunori Murakami, Toshiharu Kano, Koh Namiki
  • Patent number: 5178011
    Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for balancing successive rotary members, an unbalance measuring operation is carried out in one or more planes on each rotary member which is rotated at a measuring speed in a measuring run within an overall unbalance measuring time for ascertaining the required number of items of measuring information in a plurality of repetitive measuring cycles. After the elapse of a fraction of the overall unbalance measuring time the unbalance measuring operation is interrupted for an interruption time for the purposes of permitting the performance of working operations which due to vibration caused thereby could result in falsification of the unbalance measurement results, then unbalance measurement is resumed, and further interrupted, and so on in a repetitive procedure to make up the overall measurement time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Gebr. Hofmann GmbH & Co. KG Maschinenfabrik
    Inventors: Klaus-Peter Ohms, Jesus Varona
  • Patent number: 5033302
    Abstract: A mounting stand in a balancing machine mounting assembly includes a stationary mounting block and a mount for a rotary member to be balanced. The mount is supported on the mounting block by two parallel springs capable of oscillating movement in a mounting plane in the measurement direction. The mounting stand further has at least one measurement value pick-up sensor operatively disposed between the mounting block and the oscillatable mount for detecting oscillation of the mount produced by an out-of-balance rotary member and to supply corresponding measurement signals. A rotatable adjusting unbalance weight of a known magnitude is mounted to the oscillatable mount and can be selectively brought into operation to cause oscillatory movement of the oscillatable system, to perform a calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Gebr. Hofmann GmbH & Co. KG Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Uwe Monch
  • Patent number: 5011374
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for balancing the rotor in the low pressure stage of the turbine in a jet engine comprises attaching at least one balance clip to the shroud of the rotor. The balance clip comprises a clip body formed with a forward hook portion adapted to extend over the forward rail of the shroud and an aft tab which is crimped over the aft rail of the shroud onto its outer surface so that the clip body is retained against the interior face or diameter of the shroud. The balance clip is formed of sheet material such as AMS 5596E/5597B whose weight can be varied by altering the thickness or width of the clip body, or by drilling holes in the clip body to remove material therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Michael L. Miller
  • Patent number: 4974449
    Abstract: A method for designing and producing an internal combustion engine of the reciprocating type which allows for reducing the number of cylinders required for smooth operation of an engine of any size displacement. A new balancing procedure for dynamically balancing the crankshaft and reciprocating parts overcomes the vibration forces produced by the high moments of inertia inherent in reciprocating engines with a single plane crankshaft and large cylinder bores. The engine designed and assembled in accordance with this procedure may have fewer cylinders and moving parts than engines produced and assembled with balancing methods in current use, but with the same total volume of cylinder bore displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Inventor: Steve Core
  • Patent number: 4971641
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joey L. Nelson, Sidney B. Elston, III, Wu-Yang Tseng, Martin C. Hemsworth