Abstract: The disclosure relates to an automated parking device comprising a frame, on which at least one movable, in particular raisable or lowerable platform is provided, and the automated parking device is equipped with a chain, part of which forms at least part of a chain deflection system. The chain deflection system consists of at least one chain piece, preferably a roller chain piece, and a deflection piece.

Abstract: The present discloser is directed toward a method for detecting misalignment of a belt for a front end accessory drive system. The method includes acquiring, by a plurality of optical sensors, multiple images of the belt arranged on a series of pulleys of the drive system. The belt includes a contrast element that is detectable by the optical sensors system and is visually distinct from a color of the belt. The method further includes analyzing, by way of a controller, data indicative of the acquired images to determine whether the contrast element is present in the captured images, and identifying the belt as being misaligned in response to the contrast element being in at least one of the acquired images.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjustably positioning an object of interest is described, and which includes a wave propagator and a wave detector which are both mounted in spaced relation to an object of interest, and which allows determination of a distance between the wave propagator and wave detector and the object of interest during operation; an adjustment device mounted in force transmitting relation relative to the object of interest an which imparts force to the object of interest to maintain the object of interest along a predetermined course of travel, and a controller coupled in controlling relation relative to the wave propagator and the adjustment device, and in signal receiving relation relative to the wave detector.

Abstract: A tensioner device, includes a housing defining a cylindrical bore. A plunger is disposed in the bore and has a non-cylindrical outer surface. A spring is engaged with the plunger for biasing the plunger in an outward direction and an oil passage is in communication with the cylindrical bore for delivering pressurized oil to the bore. The non-cylindrical outer surface provides hydraulic clearance areas between the plunger and the bore to provide improved damping without high damping force.

Abstract: In examples, methods and systems for sensing tension in a timing belt are provided. In one example, a transmission device is provided that comprises a timing belt transmission configured to cause rotation of an output hub, and the timing belt transmission includes a timing belt with markings. The transmission device also includes a detector for detecting the markings on the timing belt as the timing belt is placed under a tension due to a load at the output hub, and a distance between the markings on the timing belt changes as the timing belt is placed under the tension. The transmission device also includes one or more processors for determining output torque of the timing belt transmission based on the distance between the markings on the timing belt or based on a time between detected markings.

Abstract: A belt driving device and associated method are provided. The driving device includes a plurality of rollers including a driving roller. A belt is configured to be tensioned by the plurality of rollers, and to be driven by the driving roller. An outside roller is configured to contact an outer surface of the belt and to be driven by a driving source. A detection portion is configured to detect a driving load of one of the driving roller and the outside roller. A controller is configured to drive the other one of the driving roller and the outside roller based on the driving load detected by the detection portion.

Abstract: An endless belt member is suspended in a tensioned manner by a plurality of roller members including a drive roller and a drive motor drives the drive roller member so as to move the belt member in a predetermined direction of travel. A detecting unit detects an amount of displacement of the belt member in a widthwise direction of the belt member, and a correction unit that corrects displacement of the belt member in the widthwise direction. The correction unit corrects the displacement of the belt member in a widthwise direction based on data sampled by the detecting unit every time a drive signal is input to the drive motor a prescribed number of times.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprises a base member; a movable member that supports a chain guide, wherein the movable member is coupled to the base member so that the movable member moves relative to the base member for moving a chain among a plurality of sprockets; an intermediate member that mounts the base member to a bicycle frame; a first adjusting mechanism that adjustably sets a position of the intermediate member relative to the bicycle frame; and a second adjusting mechanism that adjustably sets a position of the base member relative to the intermediate member.

Abstract: A belt meandering preventing device 1 for a running test device 2 is provided with a first control means 14, a second control means 15, and a third control means. The first control means 14 detects the position of a belt 6 and controls a drum rocking means 8 so that the difference between the detected position of the belt 6 and a predetermined target position is zero. The second control means 14 detects the amount of rocking of a driven drum 5 rocked by the drum rocking means 8 and controls the drum rocking means 8 so that the detected amount of rocking of the driven drum 5 is a target amount of rocking.

Abstract: A belt skew correction controlling method includes detecting a skew speed of a wound endless belt, calculating a difference between the skew speed that is acquired in the detecting of the skew speed and the initial target value, determining whether a value acquired in the calculating of the difference is within a predetermined range, maintaining an angle of a skew correcting roller that is wound around the endless belt and can be inclined in a case where the value is determined to be within the predetermined range in the determining of whether the value is within the predetermined range.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the tension of a continuous endless drive elongate member mounted to be moved over a closed-loop path and having a slack run along which it forms undulations, said method consisting in placing a sensor along said slack run for detecting undulations going past in the slack run, and in counting the number of undulations detected, said number serving as a magnitude for measuring the tension of the drive member.

Abstract: In accordance with a component mounting apparatus, a component stored in a component feeder is held by a component holding member and is then mounted in a mounting position on an object. The apparatus functions to, when a mounting posture of the component in which the component is mounted onto the object is inclined with respect to a basic posture of the component by a mounting angle, hold the component from the component feeder by the component holding member that has preliminarily been rotated to the mounting angle in such a direction as to depart from a reference posture of the component holding member prior to the mounting of the component on the object. And afterwards, the component holding member is rotated in a specified direction to finally return the component holding member to the reference posture, and then the component is mounted on the object.

Abstract: A piston rod position detecting mechanism is proposed which can detect continuously or in a multiple-point manner that the piston rod position has changed due to increase or decrease in the protruding amount of the piston rod due to aging. The protruding amount from a cylinder end wall is detected by a position detecting mechanism comprising a detecting coil housed in a bobbin provided at the cylinder end, a flange portion formed on the piston rod, and a coil spring. Also, an autotensioner and an electromagnetic valve with such a position detector are proposed. Further, a belt tension adjusting device is provided with a detector for detecting the position of a tension pulley which is pivotable with increase or decrease in the belt tension.

Abstract: In accordance with a component mounting method, a component stored in a component feeder is held by a component holding member and is then mounted in a mounting position on an object. The method includes, when a mounting posture of the component in which the component is mounted onto the object is inclined with respect to a basic posture of the component by a mounting angle, the operation of holding the component from the component feeder by the component holding member that has preliminarily been rotated to the mounting angle in such a direction as to depart from a reference posture of the component holding member prior to the mounting of the component on the object. And afterwards, the component holding member is rotated in a specified direction to finally return the component holding member to the reference posture, and then the component is mounted on the object.

Abstract: A device serves to regulate the tension of a running belt. The belt is deflected on rollers of which one is designed as a force measuring roller and is connected to a displacement sensing device. This roller is provided with at least one force sensor that determines the force applied to the belt. In addition, this roller is position adjustably held by an actuating drive in order to be able to adjust the tension of the belt. The actuating drive is in an operative connection with a regulating device that is influenced by a correction device. This correction device determines the web tension from the force applied to the belt measured by the force sensor and from the position of the force measuring roller, that changes with the position of the tension regulating roller, and transmits this output as an actual value to the regulating device.

Abstract: A sensor retainer for a bicycle sprocket assembly includes an annular member for mounting and rotating coaxially with the bicycle sprocket assembly and a sensor element fixed to the annular member. Alternatively, the sensor retainer may include a fixing member for mounting a derailleur or other transmission to a bicycle frame and a sensor element mounted to the fixing member.

Abstract: A method for shifting a bicycle transmission that includes a derailleur for shifting a chain among a plurality of sprockets. The transmission includes at least a first sprocket and a second sprocket, wherein at least one of the first sprocket and the second sprocket includes a shift facilitating structure to facilitate shifting the chain between the first sprocket and the second sprocket. The method comprises the steps of rotating a sensor element together with the plurality of sprockets, and activating the derailleur to shift the chain between the first sprocket and the second sprocket when the sensor element is located at a predetermined position relative to the derailleur.

Abstract: An pneumatic tensioner apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus including: a main drive belt; a chuck assembly, suspended from the main drive belt, having a spinning member and a drive contact portion; a first frictional drive belt in a first track, the first frictional drive belt in contact with the drive contact portion operative to spin the chuck assembly; and a first tension adjusting device having at least one pneumatic tension adjustment member operative to apply pressure to the first frictional drive belt tangentially to the drive contact portion.

Abstract: A rotation direction detection apparatus is configured to detect the direction of rotation of a pulley that is rotatably mounted to a chain guide, and includes a rotation sensor, a detection element and a shielding mechanism. The rotation sensor is fixed to the chain guide. The detection element is mounted to the pulley such that it can be detected by the rotation sensor. The shielding mechanism has a shielding arm that is mounted to move between a shielding position where the rotation sensor cannot detect the detection element and a detection position where the rotation sensor can detect the detection element. The shielding mechanism has a linking member that moves the shielding arm in tandem with the rotation of the pulley in first or second rotational directions. The shielding mechanism has a positioning protrusion that positions the shielding arm at either the shielding position or the detection position.

Abstract: Engine accessory drive belt tension is maintained by a spring loaded roller positioned to impinge against the belt. Belt deflection is reflected by changes in position of the roller, and measured by a deflection sensor. Changes in deflection may indicate changes in belt elasticity, indicating the possible need to change the belt.

Abstract: A sensor retainer for a bicycle sprocket assembly includes an annular member for mounting and rotating coaxially with the bicycle sprocket assembly and a sensor element fixed to the annular member. Alternatively, the sensor retainer may include a fixing member for mounting a derailleur or other transmission to a bicycle frame and a sensor element mounted to the fixing member.

Abstract: Engine accessory drive belt tension is maintained by a spring loaded roller positioned to impinge against the belt. Belt deflection is reflected by changes in position of the roller, and measured by a deflection sensor. Changes in deflection may indicate changes in belt elasticity, indicating the possible need to change the belt.

Abstract: A sensor retainer for a bicycle sprocket assembly includes an annular member for mounting and rotating coaxially with the bicycle sprocket assembly and a sensor element fixed to the annular member. Alternatively, the sensor retainer may include a fixing member for mounting a derailleur or other transmission to a bicycle frame and a sensor element mounted to the fixing member.

Abstract: The invention provides for a guide system (10) for tensioning a belt. The guide system (10) comprises an endless belt (12); at least two guides (14, 16) for guiding the belt (12); and tensioning means (18) for tensioning the belt (12) between the guides (14, 16), the tensioning means (18) being movable between a tensioned and a substantially non-tensioned position such that in the tensioned position it is biased to the non-tensioned position to compensate for a loss in belt tension. The guide system (10) also comprises self-adjusting regulating means that is operatively associated with the tensioning means (18) and that is adapted for moving the tensioning means (18) towards its tensioned position upon occurrence of belt slacking for effecting substantially immediate tensioning of the belt (12) while the belt (12) is running and without the necessity of manual intervention.

Abstract: A sensor retainer for a bicycle sprocket assembly includes an annular member for mounting and rotating coaxially with the bicycle sprocket assembly and a sensor element fixed to the annular member. Alternatively, the sensor retainer may include a fixing member for mounting a derailleur or other transmission to a bicycle frame and a sensor element mounted to the fixing member.

Abstract: In a belt tensioner of a seat belt in a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, for the return movement of the belt, a return spring is provided which is able to be tensioned by a motor as a function of parameters. The motor may also be used for a reversible tightening of the belt.

Abstract: A belt tracking system for an endless belt having left and right opposed edges, the belt driven in a first direction by a belt drive system. The tracking system includes a set of periodic belt indicia formed on the belt along one or more axes aligned with the first direction. A sensor system tracks movement of the belt in a lateral direction transverse to the first direction and senses the set of belt indicia to provide sensor system signals. An actuator system effects movement of the belt in the lateral direction, the actuator system responsive to the sensor system signals for nominally maintaining a position of the belt relative to the transverse direction. A controller is responsive to the sensor system signals for detecting that the belt has tracked outside an allowable belt movement range and taking protective actions to prevent the belt from damage due to undesired lateral tracking movement. A belt indicia sensor can optionally be employed to calibrate a belt drive system.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the lateral position of an endless belt comprises a sensor for detecting the lateral position of the endless belt relative to a predetermined position, a roller disposed adjacent to the endless belt, and a controller operatively connected to the sensor and to the roller by way of an air bellows, wherein the controller will automatically cause the air bellows to move the roller to urge the endless belt toward the predetermined positioned when the sensor detects that the lateral position of the endless belt is away from the predetermined position.

Abstract: A method and a device for reducing the vibrations of a control chain in a camshaft drive of an internal combustion engine. At least one engine parameter is measured that is indicative of the vibrational state of the engine. The at least one engine parameter is used to determine the vibrational state and to adjust the tension of the control chain. Thus, the built-up of resonances and of strong vibrations may be avoided.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting wear and the beginning of the mechanism of belt failure. A sensor (5) detects when a self tracking drive belt (1) tracks off center due to the asymmetrical wear (3) of the belt (1). The sensor (5) may be a simple mechanical or optical switch which is activated upon contact or a complex system which can detect the relative movement of the belt (1) when the belt (1) tracks to either side of the pulley (4). An audible or electrical signal indicates that the belt (1) needs to be changed.

Abstract: A blade-type chain tensioner (10, 110) is provided including a shoe (30, 130) adapted to impart tension to a chain (16), a blade spring (28, 128) engaging the shoe (30, 130), a piezoelectric strain element (35, 135) coupled to the blade spring (28, 128) or the shoe (30, 130), and a circuit (34, 137) adapted to receive a voltage or voltage data signal generated by a sensor (33, 133) coupled to the blade spring and shoe assembly (28/30, 128/130) in response to a vibration having a predetermined frequency or frequency band occurring in the blade spring and shoe assembly (28/30, 128/130), wherein the circuit (34, 137) is adapted to operably interact with the piezoelectric strain actuator element (35, 135) to induce a vibratory moment therein effective to reduce the vibration of the chain tensioner (10, 110). The piezoelectric strain element (35, 135) and the circuit (34, 137) can be configured as a passive damping system (10) or an active damping system (110), according to different aspects of the invention.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring chain pull of a conveyor drive that includes a conveyor drive having a fixed frame, a moveable frame, a spring assembly and a sensor assembly. The moveable frame supports a motor and is biased against the fixed frame by the spring assembly to oppose a force generated by the conveyor drive chain pull. The sensor assembly can be installed or removed without disassembly of the spring assembly and preferably without substantial interruption to the operation of the conveyor drive.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the lateral position of an endless belt comprises a sensor for detecting the lateral position of the endless belt relative to a predetermined position, a roller disposed adjacent to the endless belt, and a controller operatively connected to the sensor and to the roller wherein the controller will automatically cause the roller to urge the endless belt toward the predetermined positioned when the sensor detects that the lateral position of the endless belt is away from the predetermined position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for reducing the vibrations of a control chain in a camshaft drive of an internal combustion engine. At least one engine parameter is measured that is indicative of the vibrational state of the engine. The at least one engine parameter is used to determine the vibrational state and to adjust the tension of the control chain. Thus, the built-up of resonances and of strong vibrations may be avoided.

Abstract: An arrangement in connection with a belt drive device having two counter-rotating continuous belts operated by drive rollers traveling around stretching rollers, whereby the belts are urged towards one another by press rolls to draw a cable between the belts. Adjustment of the stretching rollers is provided by an adjustment mechanism that effects the axle with which the stretching rollers are associated.

Abstract: In accordance with a component mounting method, a component stored in a component feeder is held by a component holding member and then is mounted in a mounting position on n object. The method includes, when a mounting posture of the component in which the component is mounted onto the object is inclined with respect to a basic posture of the component by a mounting angle, the operation of holding the component from the component feeder by the component holding member that has preliminarily been rotated to the mounting angle in such a direction as to depart from a reference posture of the component holding member prior to the mounting of the component on the object. And afterwards, the component holding member is rotated in a specified direction to finally return the component holding member to the reference posture, and then the component is mounted on the object.

Abstract: A traveling screen system has a traveling screen guided about a multiplicity of support and guide rollers. A scanning device scans a transverse position of the traveling screen and an adjusting device adjusts the angular orientation of at least one of the support and guide rollers. The adjusting device is supported on one side on a displaceable bearing block which is supported on a carriage. Between the control device for the bearing block of the displaceable roller and the scanning device, a coupling is provided by which a return of the control motion of the roller to the scanning device is effected. The coupling is formed by a Bowden cable, by a hydraulic circuit with control cylinders, or by an electric circuit with control devices.

Abstract: A carrier apparatus is provided with a first carrier mechanism, a second carrier mechanism, and a sensor. The first carrier mechanism has a holding portion holding a substrate, a driving pulley, an idler pulley, and a first endless belt, the first endless belt being provided between the driving pulley and the idler pulley and the holding portion being attached to the first endless belt. The second carrier mechanism has a driving source with a rotation output shaft, a speed reducing pulley fixed on the driving pulley and more than one second endless belts, the above more than one second endless belts being provided between the rotation output shaft and the speed reducing pulley. A sensor detects the state of the second endless belt, for example, the occurrence of cutting. As a result, even if the state of a carrier belt deteriorates, the holding portion is prevented from falling.

Abstract: An automatic gear shifting device for multi-speed bicycles. According to the invention, the device comprises a centrifugal force gear shifting mechanism which is controlled by the pedaling cadence of the rider. Pedal crankshaft speed is transferred to a main unit which contains an axially mounted drive shaft. Flyweights which are pivotally affixed to the drive shaft by an inner sleeve engage the housing thread members once a rider pedals outside of a predetermined cadence range. Engagement of the threaded members causes the inner sleeve to move one position. A cam follower affixed to the inner sleeve thereafter causes rotation of an outer ring, the outer ring having upshift and downshift cable attached to it. Movement of the cable causes rotation of a cable drum which is pivotally mounted to a derailleur. Movement of the cable ring drum causes the derailleur to shift gears. Also provided is a means to adjust the cadence range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor fabricating apparatus having an electrical system for transmitting a rotatory power through a belt of a motor to a pulley. The semiconductor fabricating apparatus having an electrical system of the present invention includes a sensor disposed in the vicinity of the belt for detecting a distance between the sensor and the belt and generating an electrical signal corresponding to a detected distance; an amplifier for amplifying the electrical signal to generate an amplified voltage; an analog-to-digital converter for converting the amplified voltage into a digital signal; and a controller for comparing the digital signal with a reference signal and determining whether the belt is loose on the pulley so as to generate a control signal.

Abstract: An independently steerable tube stock idler pulley for simplifying tracking adjustments of a belt, wherein the pulley is rotatably mounted on a fixed shaft supported at its ends by such as pillow blocks or the like, with a pair of roller bearings for permitting rotational movement of the pulley relative to the shaft and a pair of steering bushings each mounted within a bearing and keyed to the shaft, the steering bushings each having a bore which is offset and non-concentric relative to the outer diameter of the bushing, one bushing being rotated 180.degree. out of phase relative to the other bushing for inducing an angle into the pulley relative to the axis of rotation and locking mechanism for selectively locking the shaft against rotation, with the angle of the pulley being alterable by loosening the locking mechanism and rotating the shaft following which the locking mechanism is secured.

Abstract: A single facer which includes a rotating corrugating roll for corrugating a medium; an endless belt for pressing a liner against the medium on the corrugating roll; at least a pair of belt rolls for running the endless belt; and a direction adjusting mechanism for changing the running direction of the endless belt with respect to the rotating shaft of the corrugating roll within the running plane of the endless belt to correct zigzag or sideway motion of the belt occurring while the belt is running; a detector for detecting sideway displacements of the endless belt; a computer for computing a positional correction to be made in the width direction based on a signal from the detector; and a controller for controlling the direction adjusting mechanism based on a value computed by the computer.

Abstract: An apparatus for steering a moving web, particularly in an electrophotographic printing machine of the type having an endless photoreceptor belt supported by a plurality of rolls and arranged to move in a predetermined path through a plurality of processing stations disposed therealong the web being of the type which is supported by a plurality of rolls. A web steering roll for supporting the web being adapted for rotational movement about a first axis and tilting movement about a second axis transverse to the first axis is used.

Abstract: A system for transporting an imaging surface in an electrostatographic printing apparatus. The imaging surface is transported along a predetermined path in a process direction of travel while being maintained in both lateral and skew alignment via a selectively controllable drive system for inducing differential or non-differential transport motion of the imaging surface. A control system is also provided for selectively operating the drive system to compensate for detected lateral or skew misalignment of the imaging surface.

Abstract: Two guiding marks constituted by two parallel transversal marks are borne on the back of the belt, a number between said marks being indicated giving the length of the spacing required by the two markers when the belt is installed so that this belt is subjected to a suitable mounting tension. When the belt is installed, the latter is thus tensioned until the spacing of the marks reaches the given value which is simply checked by a meter rule.The invention concerns the mounting of transmission belts.

Abstract: A positioning device for preventing an endless belt passed over a plurality support rollers from being shifted to either of opposite sides in the axial direction of the rollers. A pair of forcing elements are located at both ends of at least one of the support rollers for forcing back, when the belt is shifted toward either of opposite ends of the support roller to contact the end of the latter, the belt toward the center of the roller in the axial direction of the roller. The forcing elements each are implemented as a plurality of spaced flanges. The maximum diameter of the flanges sequentially increases from the innermost flange to the outermost flange in the axial direction of the roller. The plurality of flanges may be replaced with a single spiral flange.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the lateral tracking movement of a wide abrasive belt that utilizes a driven contact roller and an idler roller that is mounted in a cradle that allows it to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the rotational axis of the idler roller and the non-abrasive back of the belt itself as it rides on an angled sensor. This sensor is angled such that the belt path becomes longer as the belt creeps and since the belt is unable to stretch it applys a force to the angled sensor which responds by increasing that force with a lever arm and continually adjusting the tracking mechanism through a connection to the pivoting cradle. These adjustments result in correct belt tracking.

Abstract: An anti-backlash rack and pinion drive system comprising a pair of spur gears on parallel shafts engaging a rack with countertorque preload imposed by a positive timing belt engaging a pair of pulleys respectively coupled to the shafts. Slack on one side and a resilient transverse load applied to the other side of the belt provides counterspur gear tooth pressure on the rack equal to the maximum drive load effected through reversible rotation of one of the shafts.

Abstract: A lateral shift control apparatus for an endless belt includes a lateral shifting driver for applying to the endless belt a lateral shifting force in lateral directions; a switching device for switching direction of the lateral shifting force; a detector for detecting a lateral end position of the endless belt; and a controller responsive to an output of the detector to control the switching device. The lateral end portion detected by the detector is provided with an inclined portion.

Abstract: A web-steering mechanism, particularly for the endless belt of a xerographic copier, uses two rolls to hold the belt under tension. An idler roll is designed to rotate about an axis which is at a small angle to a tilt axis of the idler roll assembly. Small tilting movements of the idler roll assembly, under the control of a servo-motor are effective to alter the angle at which the web enters and/or leaves the roll, to cause the web to walk along the tilted roll.