Abstract: Belt systems, such as toothed systems, having a belt and a wheel (e.g., a pulley, gear, sprocket, etc.) that have the fit of the wheel optimized for the fit of the belt, and vice versa. The systems utilize combined techniques and materials to create a belt and wheel interface that improves and even maximizes performance by increasing the efficient transfer of power between belt and wheel, and by distributing the forces across multiple teeth of the wheel. A coating on the wheel can be used to modify the pitch of the wheel.

Abstract: Segmented sprocket systems and methods for installing the segmented sprocket systems for use in numerous different applications such as, but not limited to, industrial sprockets. The present invention may be a segmented sprocket system including two or more relatively thin sprockets (100) that are installed together on a common hub (200) such that the two or more sprockets form a composite sprocket having a width approximately equal to the sum of the width of the individual sprockets. A segmented sprocket system may include a hub; at least two sprockets having the same outer diameter and an interior opening having a diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the hub; wherein the at least two sprockets are positioned on the hub such that each sprocket abuts a neighboring sprocket, thus resulting in a composite sprocket structure.

Abstract: A synchronous belt drive system having: a synchronous belt with a tensile cord of high-modulus fiber such as glass, carbon, PBO, or aramid; a driver sprocket and at least one driven sprocket, at least one of which is an obround sprocket; and a tensioner having: a base having a cylindrical portion extending axially with a radially outer surface and a receiving portion, an eccentric arm pivotally engaged with the radially outer surface, a torsion spring disposed within the receiving portion, the torsion spring applying a biasing force to the eccentric arm, and a pulley journalled to the eccentric arm. Preferably, no one of the eccentric arm, pulley, or torsion spring is axially displaced along an axis A-A from the others. The obround sprocket has a toothed surface and at least one linear portion disposed between two arcuate portions having a constant radius, the linear portion having a predetermined length.

Abstract: A synchronous belt with a tensile member layer having a tensile member embedded in an elastomeric body; a toothed surface with a plurality of regularly spaced, transverse teeth protruding from the body; and a jacket covering the toothed surface; wherein the teeth comprise a plurality of fabric insert layers that increase the stiffness of the tooth, the insert layers separated from each other by layers of an elastomer composition. The layers may be oriented parallel to the tensile member layer, perpendicular to the tensile member, or following the contour of the tooth. The layers may be a single piece of fabric folded into layers, or separate pieces of fabric.

Abstract: A synchronous belt drive system having: a synchronous belt with a tensile cord of high-modulus fiber such as glass, carbon, PBO, or aramid; a driver sprocket and at least one driven sprocket, at least one of which is an obround sprocket; and a tensioner having: a base having a cylindrical portion extending axially with a radially outer surface and a receiving portion, an eccentric arm pivotally engaged with the radially outer surface, a torsion spring disposed within the receiving portion, the torsion spring applying a biasing force to the eccentric arm, and a pulley journalled to the eccentric arm. Preferably, no one of the eccentric arm, pulley, or torsion spring is axially displaced along an axis A-A from the others. The obround sprocket has a toothed surface and at least one linear portion disposed between two arcuate portions having a constant radius, the linear portion having a predetermined length.

Abstract: A belt and sprocket system comprising a tensile cord disposed within a belt body, at least two teeth projecting from the belt body, the belt comprising a pitch length measured between the at least two teeth on the belt, one of the at least two teeth having a tooth tip and a profile comprising a first radius and a second radius and a third radius disposed between a first linear segment and a second linear segment, the sprocket having a groove for receiving one of the at least two teeth, the groove profile comprising a first radius and a second radius and the third radius and a fourth radius, each of which is connected in series to the others and each of which is unequal in length to the other radii, the tooth having a width that is approximately 35% of a pitch length at 90% of a tooth height so as to result in an interference fit between the one of at least two teeth and groove at 90% of the tooth height; and a volume between the tooth tip and the groove.

Abstract: A synchronous belt with a tensile member layer having a tensile member embedded in an elastomeric body; a toothed surface with a plurality of regularly spaced, transverse teeth protruding from the body; and a jacket covering the toothed surface; wherein the teeth comprise a plurality of fabric insert layers that increase the stiffness of the tooth, the insert layers separated from each other by layers of an elastomer composition. The layers may be oriented parallel to the tensile member layer, perpendicular to the tensile member, or following the contour of the tooth. The layers may be a single piece of fabric folded into layers, or separate pieces of fabric.

Abstract: A belt and sprocket system comprising a tensile cord disposed within a belt body, at least two teeth projecting from the belt body, the belt comprising a pitch length measured between the at least two teeth on the belt, one of the at least two teeth having a tooth tip and a profile comprising a first radius and a second radius and a third radius disposed between a first linear segment and a second linear segment, the sprocket having a groove for receiving one of the at least two teeth, the groove profile comprising a first radius and a second radius and the third radius and a fourth radius, each of which is connected in series to the others and each of which is unequal in length to the other radii, the tooth having a width that is approximately 35% of a pitch length at 90% of a tooth height so as to result in an interference fit between the one of at least two teeth and groove at 90% of the tooth height; and a volume between the tooth tip and the groove.