Abstract: A two speed transmission and belt drive system utilizing the transmission. The two speed transmission comprises a planetary gear train comprising an input pulley connected to an input carrier, and a sun gear and a ring gear. The input carrier also comprises a plurality of planetary gears disposed between the sun gear and the ring gear. The sun gear is engaged with an electromagnetic brake member. The ring gear is engaged with an output pulley. A one-way clutch is disposed between the input carrier and the output shaft. The brake member is engaged at engine idle and is disengaged at engine speeds above idle. When the brake member is engaged the sun gear does not rotate, thereby driving the ring gear and output pulley at a greater speed than the input pulley. An accessory pulley operates with the transmission output pulley resulting in an accessory speed that is proportional to an engine speed at idle.

Abstract: A wheel isolator coupling comprising a sprocket for engaging a drive member, the sprocket fixedly connected to a first adaptor, the sprocket rotationally engaged with a shaft through a first bearing, a wheel portion fixedly connected to a second adaptor, the wheel portion rotationally engaged with the shaft through a second bearing, the first adaptor having at least one receiving portion, at least one compressible member disposed within the receiving portion, the second adaptor having a radially extending member for engaging the compressible member within the receiving portion, and the sprocket imparting no axial force to the first bearing.

Abstract: An eccentric pivot arm tensioner capable of automatic belt tensioning and substantially simultaneous operating range indexing during installation. The tensioner comprises a stop plate and cooperating lock plate. The tensioner comprises a pivot arm having a pivot arm member that cooperatively engages a base plate member. In a first, or transit mode, the pivot arm member temporarily engages the base plate member to put a torsion spring and thereby the pivot arm in a preloaded condition. The lock plate is engaged with the stop plate. As a mounting fastener is engaged into a mounting surface the pivot arm member is automatically disengaged from the base plate member by an axial movement of the pivot arm, thereby allowing the pivot arm to rotate and thereby impart a torsion spring force to a belt, i.e., tensioning the belt in an operating position.

Abstract: A metal elastomer compound comprising an elastomer having a molecular weight in the range of approximately 100,000 g/mol up to approximately 300,000 g/mol, a metal fiber material comprising a plurality of metal fibers each having an aspect ratio greater than approximately 1, and the metal fiber material mixed with the elastomer in an amount in the range of 50 phr up to 100 phr.

Abstract: A vehicle engine stop/start system with regenerative braking comprising a main engine for powering a vehicle having an accessory belt drive system, a motor/generator engaged with the accessory belt drive system, an operator activated switch for selecting an operating mode, in a first operating mode an electric energy storage portion for providing electric power to a heating system when the main engine is off, a relay for preventing operation of the heating system when the main engine is running, in a second operating mode the electric energy storage portion providing electric power to the motor/generator whereby the motor/generator drives an air conditioning compressor when the main engine is off, the air conditioning compressor connected to the accessory belt drive system, a relay for preventing operation of the air conditioning compressor using the motor/generator when the main engine is running, in a third operating mode the motor/generator is used to start the main engine after the main engine has been au

Abstract: To flash a hot gas vent pipe, representatively a chimney pipe, extending upwardly through a roof opening, a tubular sleeve having vertically extending spacer members interiorly secured thereto, with upper ends projecting above the upper sleeve end, is concentrically placed around the chimney pipe and anchored to the roof. A rubber boot is then placed around the sleeve and secured to the roof. Finally, a storm collar is downwardly telescoped onto the chimney pipe and rests on the upper end of the sleeve spacer members. Vertical cooling passages are defined between adjacent spacer member pairs, and through their interiors, and have upper exit portions communicating with the storm collar interior.

Abstract: A method of forming a metal matrix component and product that comprises forming scrap sheet metal material, shredding the scrap sheet metal material to a predetermined size range, filling the shredded scrap sheet metal material into a compacting die, adding an adhesive material to the shredded scrap sheet metal material in the compacting die, compressing the shredded scrap sheet metal material and curing the adhesive to form a metal matrix component. The product comprises an inertia ring that may be used in a crankshaft damper.

Abstract: An infinitely variable speed ratio planetary ball transmission comprising planetary members in rolling contact with moveable inner and outer races and a constant speed accessory drive system utilizing the transmission. The transmission is infinitely variable between ratios of approximately 0.3 and 1.0. A transmission input shaft is connected to a prime mover such as a vehicle engine crankshaft by a drive belt. The transmission comprises at least one output shaft that is coaxial with the input shaft. An output pulley is attached to the output shaft. A belt is engaged between the output pulley and various engine accessories. A second end of the transmission output shaft may be directly coupled to an engine accessory mounted on the transmission. An included control system senses a crankshaft speed. A processor analyses the crankshaft speed and accordingly adjusts the transmission ratio using a stepper motor connected to a worm drive to maintain a constant output speed regardless of crankshaft speed.

Abstract: A belt installation tool having a body and an angular member projecting from the body for engaging a pulley belt bearing surface. A surface disposed substantially normal to the angular member comprises a chamfered lip for engaging a pulley web feature. The lip and angular member removeably attach the tool to a pulley by flexure of the angular member.

Abstract: A tensioner comprising a base having a toothed portion, a pivot arm pivotally engaged with the base, a pulley journalled to the pivot arm, a spring disposed between the base and the pivot arm for biasing the pivot arm in a first direction, a mechanism disposed on the pivot arm and engaged with the base, the mechanism comprising a rotatable geared member and a second spring engaged between the geared member and the pivot arm, the second spring biasing the pivot arm in the first direction, and the geared member having a non-toothed portion that when the non-toothed portion is engaged with the toothed portion it prevents substantial rotation of the pivot arm in a reverse direction from the first direction.

Abstract: A two speed transmission comprising a planetary gear train comprising an input member connected to an input carrier, the input carrier connected to an input shaft, a sun gear and a ring gear, the input carrier comprising a plurality of planetary members each in meshing engagement with the sun gear and the ring gear, the sun gear connected to a brake member, the ring gear connected to an output member, and a one-way clutch operably disposed between the input shaft and the output member.

Abstract: A swivel nut comprising a body (10) having a threaded bore (130), the body comprising a ridge (11) which circumferentially extends about an outer surface, the body further comprising a first surface (12) which extends normal to a body bore centerline (CL), a tapered member (20) having a tapered surface (22) and a bore (23), the tapered member further comprising a second surface (23) which extends normal to the body bore centerline and which second surface cooperatively engages the first surface, the tapered member comprising a groove (21) which extends about an inner surface, and the groove cooperating with the ridge to connect the body and the tapered member while allowing the tapered member rotational movement with respect to the body.