Abstract: A dynamic belt-tensioning apparatus for a treadmill includes a base having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end. A foot-striking platform is movably supported by the base so as to allow for vertical movement of the platform during operation of the treadmill. A drive belt has a fixed circumference and is positioned above a top portion of the platform. A drive roller is pivotally mounted adjacent to the first end of the base and engages the drive belt. A bell crank is pivotally coupled to the platform such that pivoting of the bell crank translates into movement of a tensioning roller that is pivotally mounted to the base and that is capable of a range of movement to provide substantially constant tension to the drive belt in response to vertical movement of the platform.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing conveyor boom includes a proximal portion and a distal portion, hingedly connected to the proximal portion, the proximal and distal portions supporting a laterally flexible endless conveyor belt. The distal portion is pivotal in a generally horizontal plane, and is biased toward longitudinal alignment with the proximal portion, whereby physical shock applied to the distal portion can be absorbed by lateral deflection of the distal portion.

Abstract: A mail sortation system includes a frame system, a conveyor carried by the frame system, a driven axle on one end of the conveyor, a pair of split idler axles, one idler axel on each side of the conveyor, a chain from each idler axel to the driven axel, and a chain slack adjustment mechanism. The idler axels are configured to rotate independently of each other. The chains are coupled to the conveyor, such that rotation of the driven axle causes the idler axles to rotate and the conveyor to translate. The chain slack adjustment mechanisms remove slack in each chain by increasing the distance between the driven axle and the idler axles.

Abstract: A tensioning system for a conveyor belt arrangement is provided. More particularly, but not exclusively, to a vertical belt tensioning system for an endless conveyor belt arrangement. The conveyor belt arrangement includes a drive pulley which is in use driven by an external drive, an idler pulley and an endless conveyor belt rotatably mounted about the pulleys. The conveyor belt arrangement also includes a belt tensioning arrangement for use in tensioning the endless conveyor belt, the tensioning arrangement including a displaceable take-up pulley, and an actuator for displacing the displaceable take-up pulley. The tensioning arrangement is characterized in that the displaceable take-up pulley is displaceable along a vertical axis.

Abstract: A header has a middle section disposed on a main frame and at least two side sections disposed adjacent to the middle section, a cutterbar extending substantially across the width of the header, and at least one conveyor device which conveys crop cut by the cutterbar laterally in the direction of the middle section. The conveyor device has a central conveyor including an endlessly circulating, endless conveyor belt which is guided around two rollers disposed on two support elements extending in parallel to the conveyance direction and are each mounted on bearing points provided on the support elements. The support elements each have a guide recess and in which one of the rollers is displaceable so that the conveyor belt can be transferred from an operating position, in which the conveyor belt is tensioned, into a maintenance position, in which the conveyor belt sags, in sections, in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A tensioning system for a conveyor element of a conveyor. The tensioning system including a hydraulic apparatus, a locking plate, and a take-up bar. The hydraulic apparatus includes a cylinder having an extendible piston. The take-up bar is coupled to the cylinder and coupled to a shaft of the conveyor. The take-up bar moves the shaft of the conveyor in a forward direction away from the centerline of the conveyor when overcoming a locking force from the locking plate.

Abstract: A grilling device includes a housing includes a fixed lower heating plate and a rotatable swing arm disposed at a primary pivot positioned proximate a rear end of the housing. An operable upper heating plate is coupled to the swing arm such that an intermediate portion of the swing arm rotationally engages a central portion of the upper heating plate at a secondary pivot to define an adjacent face-up position, a stacked face-up position and a face-down position. A leveling mechanism maintains the upper heating plate in parallel with the lower heating plate as the swing arm operates about at least a portion of the primary pivot.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor (1) comprises at least one transport chain (6) connected to a plurality of transportation elements (4) which are configured for travelling in a closed loop along a pathway; at least one sensor (24), which is arranged in a non-straight portion of the pathway and which is configured for detecting a varying force (F?) exerted by the transport chain (6) and/or by the transportation elements (4) in a direction oriented transversely, in particular orthogonally, to a travelling direction of the transportation elements (4); and a calculation and alarm unit (26).

Abstract: A belt tensioner for a food processing machine includes a base member, a nose member, a belt member, and a driving member. The nose member is pivotally connected with the base member. The belt member is moveably disposed around the base member and the nose member. The driving device is configured to pivotally move the nose member relative to the base member. As the nose member pivotally moves relative to the base member the nose member applies variable levels of tension on the belt member.

Abstract: A truss section (2, 3, 4), which is configured to support at least one tread element in a passenger area (30) of a passenger conveyor (15) of the type conveying passengers by moving the at least one tread element in a longitudinal direction along the passenger area (30) between a first landing and a second landing, comprises at least two longitudinal elements (5a, 5b) extending basically parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction; and at least one lateral connector (6) connecting the at least two longitudinal elements (5a, 5b). Each of the at least two longitudinal elements (5a, 5b) includes at least one load-bearing portion (51, 52, 53) having the configuration of a single wall profile.

Abstract: Embodiments for systems and methods of a variable stiffness treadmill for gait rehabilitation using mechanical perturbations on the unimpaired leg to provide therapy to the impaired leg are disclosed.

Abstract: A tension roller which is brought into contact with an inner circumferential surface of an endless belt and is rotated and which can be moved to a first position where the belt is in a relaxed state and a second position where the belt is in a tensioned state, a butting member which butts against the belt, a force application unit which applies, to the butting member, a force acting in a direction opposite to a rotation direction of the belt and a movement mechanism which moves the tension roller to the first position and the second position are provided. When the belt is rotated, the butting member is moved in the rotation direction of the belt by a friction force with the belt, and the movement mechanism moves the tension roller from the first position to the second position by the movement of the butting member in the rotation direction of the belt.

Abstract: The combination sheet music stand and dry erase board is a supplemental sheet music stand for use in combination with a music rack of a conventional piano. The combination sheet music stand and dry erase board includes a planar support having opposed upper and lower ends and opposed front and rear surfaces. The planar support is formed from a transparent material adapted for receiving erasable ink on the front surface thereof. Indicia indicative of at least one musical staff is formed on the rear surface of the planar support, allowing a user to erasably write musical notation directly on the front surface of the planar support. A shelf for supporting sheet music or the like is mounted on the lower end of the planar support. A retaining member is mounted on the upper end of the planar support for suspension from an upper edge of the music rack.

Abstract: A conveyor system including a conveyor belt; a conveyor rail including a track having a proximal end and a distal end, and a conveyor take-up for collecting excess conveyor belt; a conveyor carriage configured to move along the track between the proximal end and the distal end, the conveyor carriage including a base rotatably supporting the conveyor belt, and a target; a winch positioned proximate the proximal end of the track, the winch including a carriage cable coupling the conveyor carriage to the winch, a motor, and a motor sensor configured to sense a motor characteristic; a position sensor configured to sense a position of the target; and a controller having a memory and processor. The controller is configured to receive the motor characteristic and the position of the target, calculate a characteristic of the conveyor system, and output the characteristic.

Abstract: A belt tensioner assembly is described for a seeding machine that moves seed along a seed path with a seed-transport belt, the seed-transport belt being contained by a belt housing and supported by a fixed belt support. An adjustment mechanism may have an input member accessible from outside the belt housing and a positioning member disposed within the belt housing, the positioning member changing positions in response to user input applied to the input member. A transfer mechanism may be coupled to the positioning member and to a movable belt support, and may move in response to the change in positions of the positioning member. User input to the adjustment mechanism may vary the tension of the seed-transport belt by changing the positioning of the positioning member to move the transfer mechanism and drive the movable belt support along a centerline extending between the fixed and movable belt supports.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly that includes a conveyor belt driven by a pinch roller drive assembly. The pinch roller drive assembly includes a pair of pinch rollers that are each rotatably mounted to a support housing. The pinch rollers are supported by a swing arm urged into a bias position by one or more bias springs. The pinch rollers and bias springs are part of a belt tension assembly mounted to the side rails of the conveyor assembly through mounting plates. The belt tension assembly can be pivoted to move the pinch rollers away from the drive roller as desired. In one embodiment, the roller drive assembly is mounted at or near the center of the conveyor assembly and can also support the drive motor. In an alternate embodiment, the pinch roller drive assembly is mounted to one end of the conveyor frame.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member for bearing a toner image, a rotatable endless belt, a first driving member for rotationally driving the endless belt and in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the endless belt, and a second driving member for rotationally driving the endless belt and in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the endless belt. In addition, a tension detecting unit detects a state of tension of the endless belt and a controller controls a rotational speed of the second driving member. A driving force applied from the second driving member to the endless belt is smaller than a driving force applied from the first driving member to the endless belt, and the tension detecting unit includes a metal roller contacting the inner peripheral surface of the endless belt and detects the tension by movement of the metal roller which follows the endless belt.

Abstract: A tracking and tensioning device for a belt conveyor that provides a tracking assembly that is mounted to the conveyor frame. The tracking assembly is capable of sliding along the length of the conveyor frame. An idler roller is mounted to the tracking assembly that is held under constant tension by an adjustable tensioner. The adjustable tensioner provides take-up tensioning at the portion of the belt with the lowest operating tension.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention generally provide tensioner for varying tension applied to a continuous drive member based on temperature changes. In one embodiment, a temperature compensating chain tensioner is provided. The temperature compensating chain tensioner includes a fixed support member, a first idler sprocket coupled to the fixed support member, a support arm having a proximal end pivotably coupled to the fixed support member, a second idler sprocket coupled to a distal end of the support arm, and a spring form coupled intermediate of the fixed support member and the support arm, wherein the spring form has a spring constant that increases with increasing temperature, which causes the distal end of the support arm to move relative to the fixed support member.

Abstract: An article metering device for use in a conveyor system includes a continuous belt, a body, a motor operatively connected to the body for drivingly moving the belt and a guide belt. The belt guide has opposed ends operatively connected to and continuously supported by the body in at least two directions, the belt guide having a support surface for continuously supporting the belt between the opposed ends. The belt guide has a different coefficient of expansion/contraction than the body. The belt guide is operatively connected to the body such that the belt guide can freely expand/contract relative to the body without distorting the support surface. The belt guide extends between adjacent conveyor sections of the conveyor system or between different positions of a conveyor section of the conveyor system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning device (15) for an endless transport belt (14), whereby the tensioning device (15) comprises two tensioning edges (16) around which the transport belt (14) is deflectable, and at least one spring section (26, 26?) integrally formed with the tensioning edges (16) and arranged between the two tensioning edges (16). This tensioning device (15) can be provided with a transport belt (14) and used in an automatic gripper system (1).

Abstract: An improved conveyor belt assembly is provided with telescoping housing sections and a tension system for extending and retracting the sections relative to one another to maintain a selected tension on the conveyor belt. The assembly also has a lower end with a stepped profile matching the stepped profile of the cleated belt, so as to pick up and discharge fallen seeds or material and eliminate gaps where fallen seeds and material may collect. One or more scrapers are provided adjacent the lower track of the belt to push stray seeds and material off the lower track for pick up by the cleated belt at the lower end of the assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a width-adjusting device for conveyor corridor(s), comprising a wide gear-reduction mechanism connected to the frame (5) of said conveyor, wherein said mechanism is arranged between the control shaft (12) and the wall(s) of said corridor. The device includes: a final drive capable of reverse operation and consisting of said control shaft (12) in the form of an endless screw and of a toothed wheel (11); and a system for controlling at least one of the walls of said corridor, consisting of an endless screw (13) and a nut, the endless screw being mobile or fixed relative to said toothed wheel (11). The shaft (12) of the final drive is a flexible shaft having a long length and engaging with the tension-retaining system (20) for absorbing the pulling and pushing forces in the rotation direction thereof.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes urging members provided at first and second ends in an axial direction of at least one of a plurality of rollers around which an endless belt is wound, so as to urge the at least one roller and apply a tension to the endless belt. The urging members include a first urging member for applying a first moment about a middle point of a contact portion of a predetermined one the rollers in the axial direction and a second urging member for applying a second moment about the middle point. The second moment is different from the first moment such that a first-side portion, where a guide is provided to fit into a groove formed on at least one roller, of the endless belt with respect to the middle point is extended by a same length as a second-side portion of the endless belt.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention generally provide tensioner for varying tension applied to a continuous drive member based on temperature changes. In one embodiment, a temperature compensating chain tensioner is provided. The temperature compensating chain tensioner includes a fixed support member, a first idler sprocket coupled to the fixed support member, a support arm having a proximal end pivotably coupled to the fixed support member, a second idler sprocket coupled to a distal end of the support arm, and a spring form coupled intermediate of the fixed support member and the support arm, wherein the spring form has a spring constant that increases with increasing temperature, which causes the distal end of the support arm to move relative to the fixed support member.

Abstract: A chain tension sensor for a chain conveyor, the conveyor including a frame and a chain having a plurality of flights. The tension sensor includes a reaction arm and a load sensing pin. The reaction arm includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a load pad. The first end is pivotably coupled to the frame by a pivot pin defining a pivot axis. The load pad is adjacent the conveyor chain and positioned to contact flights passing the load pad. The flights contacting the load pad exert a force on the reaction in a direction that is perpendicular to the pivot axis. The load sensing pin is coupled to the reaction arm such that the load sensing pin senses the force that is exerted by the flights.

Abstract: A conveyor belt tensioning arrangement for an agricultural harvesting header (102), the agricultural harvesting header (102) with the conveyor belt tensioning arrangement, and an agricultural combine having the agricultural harvesting header (102) are described herein, the arrangement comprising a conveyor belt roller (208) supported on a roller carriage (228), the conveyor belt roller (208) being spring-loaded to maintain tension in the conveyor belt (108, 112), the conveyor belt roller (208) also being supported to pivot about an axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the conveyor belt roller (208).

Abstract: A tensioning system for maintaining the tension in a chain conveyor extended over at least one drive sprocket and one idler sprocket, and a method for maintaining the tension in a chain conveyor, in particular for example for a stalked crop harvesting header. The tensioning system comprises a first tensioning arm and a second tensioning arm rotatably connected to one another for rotation around a shaft onto which one of the sprockets is mounted, the second tensioning arm rotatably connected to a fixed point of a supporting plate, wherein the tension in the chain conveyor is maintained by rotational movement of at least one of the drive sprocket or the idler sprocket around a fixed point of the supporting plate.

Abstract: A conveyor belt tensioning arrangement for an agricultural harvesting header (102), the agricultural harvesting header (102) with the conveyor belt tensioning arrangement, and an agricultural combine having the agricultural harvesting header (102) are described herein, the arrangement comprising a conveyor belt roller (208) supported on a roller carriage (228), the conveyor belt roller (208) being spring-loaded to maintain tension in the conveyor belt (108, 112), the conveyor belt roller (208) also being supported to pivot about an axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the conveyor belt roller (208).

Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning device (15) for an endless transport belt (14), whereby the tensioning device (15) comprises two tensioning edges (16) around which the transport belt (14) is deflectable, and at least one spring section (26, 26?) integrally formed with the tensioning edges (16) and arranged between the two tensioning edges (16). This tensioning device (15) can be provided with a transport belt (14) and used in an automatic gripper system (1).

Abstract: One exemplary surgical apparatus may include: an anvil assembly to which a staple holder assembly detachably connected; feeder belts positioned at least partially within the staple holder assembly; staples separably attached to each feeder belt; a wedge assembly slidable within and along the staple holder assembly, the wedge assembly including an engagement feature; and a deployment handle. Upon closure of the anvil assembly and staple holder assembly relative to one another, the deployment handle engages the engagement feature. The deployment handle is movable along the anvil assembly to drive the wedge assembly relative to the staple holder assembly, feeder belts and staples in order to deform at least one staple to a closed state and separate at least one closed staple from the corresponding feeder belt.

Abstract: A belt tensioning device for minimizing tension variations in a moveable endless belt configured to be mounted for rotation about rollers mounted to a frame of an image printing device. The belt tensioning device includes a tension roll forced into contact with the image retaining side of the endless belt by a tension exerting mechanism. With the tension roll engaging the image side of the endless belt, a pair of mounted rollers combine with the tension roll to form an open loop for sharply turning the endless web from a first direction to a direction generally perpendicular to the first direction and back again to the first direction thereby tensioning the moveable endless belt and minimizing unused imaging space on the belt.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first belt roller which has a first roller shaft, a second belt roller which is disposed parallel with the first roller shaft and slidingly approaches and departs from the first roller shaft, and has a second roller shaft, a belt which is driven in circulation by the first belt roller and the second belt roller, an elastic tension member which elastically pushes the second belt roller to be separated from the first belt roller and a belt cleaning unit which is supported by the second roller shaft and is movable between a cleaning position contacting a surface of the belt and a stand-by position departed from the surface of the belt.

Abstract: An apparatus including a belt support system having a first belt support roller and a system for automatically moving the first belt support roller. The belt support system partially wraps a continuous belt on a belt drive roller. The belt support system includes the first belt support roller at an upstream side of the belt drive roller and a second belt support roller at a downstream side. The system for moving the first belt support roller moves the first roller from a first location relative to the belt drive roller to a second different location, based upon a predetermined load of the belt on the first belt support roller to thereby reduce an amount of wrap of the belt on the belt drive roller and reduce a length of the belt located proximate to the belt drive roller between the first and second belt support rollers.

Abstract: A conveyor system apparatus including: a primary conveyor; and a conveying belt comprising: a belt deck comprising a conveyor belt; and a frame supporting the belt deck, the frame comprising a base and a deck support coupled to the base and the belt deck, the deck support movable between an operating position and a maintenance position. In as embodiment of the invention, the belt deck is cantilevered from the frame. Also, in an embodiment, the frame includes a motor for moving the deck support with respect to the base.

Abstract: A tensioning assembly for use in an aero-mechanical conveyor for moving bulk materials. The conveyor includes upper and lower housings having head and tail pulley assemblies mounted therein. The tensioning assembly includes first and second extendable tubes that define sections of inflow and outflow conveyor tubes that interconnect the upper and lower housings. An endless rope assembly is disposed within the conveyor tubes and around the head and tail pulleys. An adjustable actuator is positioned in cooperative engagement with the first and second extendable tubes. When the actuator is in a first position, the extendable tubes have a first length and when the actuator is in a second position, the extendable tubes have a second length. The actuator is configured to move between the first position and the second position in response to changes in tension within the endless rope assembly as indicated by a signal from a tension measuring device.

Abstract: An endless dough conveyor 16 is provided with a resin endless toothed belt 18 instead of a metal chain. A toothed pulley 22 around which the endless toothed belt is wound is also made of resin. A rail 64 is disposed adjacent to a horizontal path of the belt, and a roller 46 attached to the belt is adapted to roll on the rail. At least two induction motors are provided for driving the endless toothed belt. The induction motors are supplied with electric power from a single inverter 35. At least a pulley is provided with a detecting unit 80. The detecting unit 80 detects a state in which teeth of the endless toothed belt climb onto that of the pulley, thereby predicting breakage of the belt. Thus, it is possible to prevent contamination of dough in a proofer.

Abstract: A conveyor system apparatus including: a primary conveyor; and a conveying belt comprising: a belt deck comprising a conveyor belt; and a frame supporting the belt deck, the frame comprising a base and a deck support coupled to the base and the belt deck, the deck support movable between an operating position and a maintenance position. In as embodiment of the invention, the belt deck is cantilevered from the frame. Also, in an embodiment, the frame includes a motor for moving the deck support with respect to the base.

Abstract: A cleaning machine is provided, in particular a pass-through dishwasher, with a continuous conveyor belt for holding dishes, general containers or articles which are transported through the cleaning machine in the transportation direction, wherein a tensioning apparatus can be easily operated from above in the entry or exit region of the cleaning machine.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for a tray sealing machine. The gripper assembly includes a carriage movable between extended and retracted positions; at least one gripper arm attached to the carriage and movable between gripping and releasing positions; and first and second independently operable drives separate from the carriage but coupled thereto via respective first and second drive train assemblies. The first drive train assembly is adapted to move the carriage between the first and second positions in response to the operation of the first drive, and the second drive train assembly is further adapted to cause the at least one gripper arm to move between the open and closed positions in response to operation of the first and second drives at differing speeds.

Abstract: A linear band guide device for supporting and defining a path for a band includes an elongate band support element, a first band end support at a first end of said elongate band support element, a second band end support at a second end of said elongate band support element. The elongate band support element has a substantially flat top surface capable of functioning as a slide bed for the band.

Abstract: A belt is looped around a plurality of rollers including a drive roller and a follow roller. The belt has an inner peripheral surface facing inside of a loop of the belt and an outer peripheral surface opposite the inner peripheral surface. The belt has a first widthwise edge and a second widthwise edge. A widthwise-movement restricting member is disposed on the inner peripheral surface on a first widthwise edge side. The widthwise-movement restricting member restricts widthwise movement of the belt in a direction toward a second widthwise edge side. An expansion-contraction restricting member is disposed on the second widthwise edge side on at least one of the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface. The expansion-contraction restricting member is less expandable in a peripheral direction of the belt than the widthwise-movement restricting member is. An urging member applies tension to the belt in the peripheral direction.

Abstract: A tip-up tail assembly is provided at the end of a continuous conveyor assembly having a moving conveyor belt. The tip-up tail assembly when moved to a retracted position allows the conveyor assembly to be completely sanitized without removal of the conveyor belt and without need for tools to assemble and disassemble the tail assembly. When sanitation is complete, the tip-up tail assembly is then moved to a horizontal operating position and supported by a pair of locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms prevent the tip-up tail assembly from going below the horizontal operating position of the conveyor assembly.

Abstract: A wireless sensor system for sensing a characteristic associated with a conveying system from which the sensor system generates operating power. The sensor system includes a transducer including an axle, a roller connected to the axle, and a link connected to the roller. The transducer may be configured to permit the roller to be positioned in contact with a conveyor belt of the conveying system so that the roller rotates about the axle or with the axle in response to translation of the conveyor belt. The sensor system also includes a power generator connected to the link, wherein the link transfers rotary motion from the roller to the generator, which generates power using the rotary motion input by the link. The sensor system further includes a sensor connected to the generator for receiving power, wherein the sensor is configured to sense the physical characteristic associated with the conveying system.

Abstract: A roller transport conveyor and method provides a device for conveying items along a plurality of rollers, in which the device may be set up and operated and serviced by manually raising and lowering one or more contact members that transmit force from a spring to urge a drive belt into contact with an underside of the rollers. The contact member is adjustable by raising and lowering the contact member to expand and contract the spring, or by raising and lowering a base on which the spring is supported, so that the drive belt may be engaged with and disengaged from the rollers. A gravity take-up includes a mass suspended from a cable that is routed to a pulley having the drive belt reeved thereon. The cable is wound upon a winch that compensates for belt stretch, or for belts of various lengths.

Abstract: A belt tensioning apparatus for a combine or harvester header has a frame with two spaced apart longitudinal support members and at least one transverse member attached to each of the longitudinal support members. An end roller support bracket has two bracket extensions extending longitudinally and disposed to slidingly engage with bracket extension receivers attached to the longitudinal support members. A push rod is longitudinally oriented and slidingly mounted on the transverse member intermediate to the longitudinal support members. The push rod is attached to the end roller support bracket and mounted to have a retracted position and an extended position. An actuator is attached to the longitudinal support members and exerts a substantially uniform force to the push rod along a range of travel of the push rod between the retracted position and the extended position. The actuator may be a scissors assembly or a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus including a main conveyor by which mail items are routed by being nipped between a transport belt and a main belt, and a secondary conveyor towards which the mail items are routed, after switching, along a secondary belt. The main and secondary belts performing the main conveying and the secondary conveying functions are constituted by a single, common belt that is twisted twice. The twice-twisted belt is engaged over a tensioner pulley that is a floating pulley.

Abstract: In a transfer conveyer wherein a pair of guide rails respectively provided with guide surfaces for guiding both side surfaces of a transferred article in a transfer direction are extended in the transfer direction and wherein flexible endless belts are provided for supporting lower surfaces at both sides of the transferred article, whose both side surfaces are guided on the guide surfaces, to transfer the transferred article in the transfer direction, a stretching mechanism is provided on one end portion of each guide rail to be stretchable in the transfer direction, a stretchable guide surface for defining a flat surface continuous and even with the guide surface regardless of any stretched position is formed at a facing surface of each stretching mechanism, and plural pulleys for circulatably supporting a part of the endless belt are provided on the facing surface of the stretching mechanism.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a belt unit detachably installed in a main body, a first positioning mechanism provided in the main body to rotatably support a first support roller, a second positioning mechanism provided in the main body to rotatably support a second support roller, an urging mechanism that urges the second support roller in a direction to move the second support roller away from the first support roller, a reference protrusion provided in the belt unit in a predetermined positional relationship with the first support roller, and a reference wall disposed to face the reference protrusion in the main body at a position closer to the second support roller than the reference protrusion.

Abstract: An image forming device includes: a main unit; an image bearing body; a belt unit; and a tension-applying mechanism. The belt unit is detachably mounted in the main unit and has a pair of supporting rollers supporting an endless belt thereon. The endless belt has an inner circumference side that confronts the pair of supporting rollers and an outer circumference side opposite to the inner circumference side. The outer circumference side of a part of the endless belt defined between the pair of supporting rollers along an arrangement direction, in which the pair of supporting rollers are arranged, confronts the image bearing body when the belt unit is mounted in the main unit. The tension-applying mechanism is provided in the main unit.